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WM«*«I  HAXA***M 


The  Promulgation 
of  Universal  Peace 


iilli 


iHmlm!Hnii'ii!ii!ll'Hnii 


3.31.3/ 
LIBRARY  OF  THE  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

PRINCETON,    N.    J. 


Purchased  by  the 
MRS.  Robert  Lenox  Kennedy  Church   History  Fund. 


Dxv%sion.lJ..\ s^  \0  O 


THE  PROMULGATION  OF 
UNIVERSAL  PEACE 


^. 


The  Promulgation  of 
Universal  Peace 


y 


Discourses    by 

ABDUL  BAHA  ABBAS 

During  His  Visit   to 

the    United    States 

in  1912 


Vol.  I 


Published  by 

Executive  Board  of  Bahai  Temple  Unity 

1921-1022 


Printed  at  Chicago,  1922 


INTRODUCTION 

English  and  Persian 


Introduction. 

Two  years  before  the  crash  of  world  war  shook  the  cor-tinents 
and  upheaved  oceans  Abdul  Baha  Abbas  visited  the  United 
States  of  America  proclaiming:  the  Glad-Tidings  of  Universal  Peace 
and  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  In  his  message  he  re- 
viewed social,  religious  and  political  conditions  of  the  nations,  fore- 
told clearly  the  impending  clash  and  conflict  of  militarism,  sum- 
moning mankind  to  the  standard  of  divine  guidance  upraised  in 
this  cycle  of  the  cycles  by  the  manifestation  and  teachings  of 
Baha  'Ullah.  His  visit  extending  from  April  to  December  1912 
covered  an  itinerary  across  the  continent  and  return,  involving 
an  extraordinary  and  incredible  expenditure  of  energy  on  the  part 
of  one  who  at  the  threshold  of  three  score  years  and  ten  had  spent 
practically  his  whole  lifetime  in  exile  and  imprisonment  for  the 
cause  of  God. 

This  treasury  of  his  words  is  a  compilation  of  informal  talks 
and  extempore  discourses  delivered  in  Persian  and  Arabic,  inter- 
preted by  proficient  linguists  who  accompanied  him,  and  taken 
stenographically  in  both  Oriental  and  Occidental  tongue. 

Upon  the  day  of  his  arrival  in  New  York  he  said  "  It  is  my  pur- 
pose to  set  forth  in  America  the  fundamental  principles  of  the 
revelation  and  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah.  It  will  then  become  the 
duty  of  the  Bahais  of  this  country  to  give  these  principles  unfold- 
ment  and  application  in  the  minds,  hearts  and  lives  of  the  people. 
Abdul  Baha's  words  therefore  will  be  found  characterized  by  a 
broad  clear  simplicity  and  practical  basis,  marked  by  an  absence 
of  metaphysical  flights,  philosophical  speculation  and  mere  rhe- 
torical eloquence;  always  reflecting  the  pure  beauty  of  the  Word 
of  God,  that  primal,  essential,  eternal  foundation  upon  which  rest 
religion,  science  and  all  human  advancement. 

Everywhere  in  his  journeying  throughout  the  United  States 
Abdul  Baha  was  received  and  welcomed  in  a  spirit  of  love  and 
reverence.  Temples  and  churches  of  all  denominations,  synagogues, 
peace  societies,  religious  and  educational  institutions,  colleges, 
women 's  clubs,  metaphysical  groups  and  new-thought  centers  opened 
their  doors,  pulpits  and  platforms  willingly  and  without  reserva- 
tion to  his  message.  He  attended  peace  conferences  at  Lake 
Mohonk,  visited  the  open  forum  at  Green  Acre  on  the  Piscataqua, 
addressed  large  gatherings  at  Columbia  and  Leland  Stanford  Uni- 


ii  INTRODUCTION 

versities,  spoke  before  scientific  associations,  socialistic  bodies, 
ethical  cults,  welfare  and  charitable  organizations,  attended  recep- 
tions and  banquets  in  the  mansions  of  the  rich,  visited  the  poor 
and  lowly  in  their  humble  homes,  carried  the  light  of  hope  and 
uplift  to  darkened  souls  in  Bowery  Mission ; — in  brief,  proclaimed 
his  message  and  teachings  universally  to  every  degree  and  capacity 
of  humankind,  with  such  pure  and  sincere  motive  that  all  heard 
him  gladly  and  without  prejudice  or  antagonism.  Furthermore, 
his  beneficent  activity  in  the  cause  of  God  and  loving  service  to 
mankind  was  without  money  and  without  price,  for  Abdul  Baha  in 
no  instance  accepted  remuneration ; — a  most  unusual  precedent  and 
a  wholesome  variation  from  the  money-getting  methods  of  other 
visitors  from  the  Orient.  On  the  contrary,  it  was  his  custom  to 
make  liberal  donations  to  needy  churches  and  religious  bodies,  often 
assisting  by  generous  gift  and  contribution,  societies  and  associa- 
tions devoted  to  universal  principles  and  ideals.  Standing  in  the 
doorway  of  Bowery  Mission  one  night  he  distributed  two  hundred 
dollars  in  silver  to  a  long  line  of  poor,  disconsolate  men,  speaking 
words  of  uplift  and  encouragement  as  they  passed  before  him.  Under 
all  circumstances  Abdul  Baha  refused  to  accept  money  for  himself 
or  the  cause  he  represented.  When  the  Bahais  of  this  country  re- 
ceived word  of  his  intended  visit,  the  sum  of  eighteen  thousand 
dollars  was  subscribed  toward  the  expense  of  his  journey.  He  was 
notified  of  this  action  and  a  part  of  the  money  forwarded  to  him 
by  cable.  He  cabled  in  answer  that  the  funds  contributed  by  his 
friends  could  not  be  accepted,  returned  the  money  and  instructed 
them  to  give  their  offering  to  the  poor. 

Briefly ; — the  visit  of  Abdul  Baha  to  the  United  States  was 
unique  and  characteristic  of  his  high,  holy  mission,  reflecting  an 
unmistakable  altruism  of  purpose  and  purity  of  motive.  Philoso- 
phers, scientists,  agnostics,  materialists,  professors,  diplomats  and 
officials  were  found  in  his  audiences  intently  listening,  sincerely 
questioning  his  presentation  of  the  exalted  principles  and  perfect 
ideals  of  the  Bahai  revelation  in  their  application  to  the  education, 
uplift  and  unification  of  mankind.  Everywhere  in  editorial  com- 
ment and  publication  of  news  concerning  him  the  daily  press  was 
reverent  and  respectful  in  its  tone  and  statement  instinctively 
recognizing  his  high  purpose  and  the  manifest  virtue  of  his  teach- 
ings to  the  world. 

An  understanding  of  the  mission  and  significance  of  this 
radiant  herald  of  the  New  Day  would  not  be  complete  without 
vision  of  the  cumulative  chain  of  religious  history  which  extends 
backward  from  the  time  of  Abdul  Baha's  appearance  here  to  a 


INTRODUCTION  iii 

period  practically  cotemporary  with  the  birth  of  American  Inde- 
pendence in  1776.  This  is  of  especial  importance  too  in  the  light 
of  the  fact  that  when  Baha  'Ullah  sent  epistles  to  the  kings  and 
rulers  of  the  earth  in  1868  he  addressed  one  to  the  republic  of  the 
United  States  in  which  he  said  "0  concourse  of  statesmen!  assist 
the  broken-hearted  with  the  liands  of  justice  and  crush  the  mighty 
oppressors  with  the  scourges  of  the  commands  of  your  Lord,  the 
powerful,  the  wise."  A  very  brief  summary  will  be  sufficient  to 
show  this  spiritual  sequence  and  historical  progression  of  which 
Abdul  Baha  is  the  apex  and  consummation. 

The  earliest  dawning  rays  of  the  effulgent  Sun  of  Truth,  the 
Word  of  God  which  shone  forth  from  the  heaven  of  the  divine  will 
upon  the  horizon  of  the  human  world  in  this  luminous  cycle  were 
reflected  in  the  pure  mirrors  of  sanctity  Sheikh  Ahmad  of  Ahsai 
and  Haji  Seyd  Kazim  of  Resht.  As  stars  of  morning  precede  the 
coming  of  the  mighty  luminary  of  day,  these  brilliant  souls  arose 
successively  in  Persia  toward  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
piercing  the  sombre  shadows  of  night  and  proclaiming  the  splendor 
of  the  approaching  manifestation.  This  mission  completed,  the 
lamps  of  their  physical  existence  were  extinguished  in  1826  and 
1844  respectively. 

On  May  23,  1844  His  Holiness  Mirza  Ali  Mohammed  the  Bab 
suddenly  enkindled  the  world  by  declaring  in  Shiraz,  Persia  that 
the  Day  of  God  was  at  hand.  For  six  years  as  herald  and  fore- 
runner this  winsome  messenger  of  the  kingdom  sounded  his  heav- 
enly call,  until  in  1850  the  flaming  tongue  and  pen  of  his  eloquence 
were  stilled  in  the  throes  of  a  glorious  martyrdom. 

Then  the  heaven  of  religion  overspread  with  the  brilliant 
radiance  of  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah,  Glory  of  God,  the  manifest 
Word  and  Sun  of  Reality  which  poured  its  bounty  upon  the  world 
of  mankind  forty  years,  extending  to  the  time  of  its  occultation  in 
1892.  Throughout  these  years  this  glorious  being  was  subjected  to 
continuous  exile,  imprisonment  and  oppression  by  earthly  rulers 
until  after  infinite  hardships  and  suffering  he  ascended  from  these 
abject  conditions  and  surroundings  of  religious  and  political 
tyranny  to  his  abode  in  the  supreme  world. 

But  the  equation  of  divine  purpose  was  not  yet  complete.  The 
coming  of  Baha  'Ullah  had  fulfilled  the  prophetic  promises  of 
the  sacred  books  of  the  Jews,  Cliristians,  iMohammedans,  Zoroas- 
trians,  Hindoos,  Buddhists  and  others.  Like  mighty  rivers  re- 
stricted to  their  own  watersheds  these  separate  systems  of  religious 
belief  and  worship,  incapable  of  mingling  in  their  courses,  had 
found  their  destined  union  and  confluence  in  the  infinite  ocean  of 


iv  INTRODUCTION 

Baha  'Ullah  's  utterance.  Furthermore,  the  supreme  and  ultimate 
product  of  divine  revelation,  the  apotheosis  of  prophecy  and  the 
universal  outcome  in  which  all  the  heavenly  religions  would  con- 
summate was  that  quintessence  of  the  cycles,  that  "Mystery  of 
God,"  a  perfected  ''Servant"  in  whom  the  divine  and  human  wills 
had  found  complete  blending.  This  sanctified  personage  was  to 
appear  in  the  great  Day  of  God,  that  Day  of  universal  splendor 
when  ' '  the  glory  of  the  Lord  should  be  revealed  and  all  flesh  should 
see  it  together. ' ' 

In  the  latter  half  of  the  nineteenth  century  the  nations  and 
peoples  of  the  world  had  become  so  closely  associated  and  wrought 
together  in  their  physical  existence,  so  interwoven  and  interdepend- 
ent in  the  necessities  and  requirements  of  life  that  the  problems 
and  politics  of  one  government  now  affected  and  influenced  the 
conditions  of  them  all.  The  world  had  become  one  vast  human 
family  wherein  interests  were  intimately  related,  responsibilities 
mutual  and  problems  universal.  Therefore  the  Word  of  God  re- 
vealed by  Baha  'Ullah  was  universal  in  its  provision  and  remedy 
for  the  conditions  of  mankind ;  conditions  which  although  they  were 
direct  outcomes  of  human  will  and  making,  had  been  eternally 
foreseen  by  the  omniscient  eye  and  spoken  by  the  tongues  of 
prophets  as  recorded  in  all  the  holy  books.  Great  numbers  of 
brilliant  souls  throughout  the  east  had  accepted  and  followed  this 
manifest  standard  of  unity  and  reconciliation.  In  religious  hered- 
ity, training  and  belief  they  had  been  diverse,  hostile  and  irrecon- 
cilable but  under  the  benign,  penetrating  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  of  the  Word  made  flesh  in  Baha  'Ullah  they  attained  the 
blessed  station  of  oneness  and  love  in  the  heaven  of  the  kingdom. 

To  strengthen,  safeguard  and  increase  this  unity  and  love 
Baha  'Ullah  appointed  a  successor  to  whom  all  should  turn  for 
guidance  and  illumination  after  his  own  departure ;  naming  in  the 
Book  of  the  Covenant  written  by  his  own  blessed  hand,  his  eldest 
son,  the  Greatest  Branch,  Abdul  Baha,  Center  of  the  Covenant  in 
whom  Bahais  throughout  the  world  recognize  the  authority  of  per- 
fect servitude  at  the  threshold  of  the  manifest  Word.  This  is  the 
essence  of  his  title,  entity  and  being,  Abdul  Baha,  Servant  of 
Baha. 

The  great  wisdom  of  this  appointment  is  shown  in  many  ways. 
It  is  particularly  evident  when  we  realize  that  from  his  earliest 
childhood  Abdul  Baha  had  been  inseparably  associated  with  Baha 
'Ullah.  Bom  in  Teheran  May  23,  1844  the  day  and  date  of  the 
Bab's  declaration,  his  very  birth  foretokened  the  significance  of  his 
life  and  being  in  the  divine  processes  and  consummations  of  this 


INTRODUCTION  v 

luminous  cycle.  At  the  age  of  eight  years  he  was  one  of  the  little 
band  of  exiles  who  crossed  the  Persian  border  into  Irak-Arabi, 
sharing  vicissitudes  and  suffering  with  heroic  strength  and  sub- 
jected with  the  rest  to  continuous  imprisonments  in  various  cities 
until  they  reached  the  prison-fortress  of  Akka  in  Syria,  August 
31,  1868.  Throughout  this  long  and  faithful  vigil  of  devotion  to 
Baha  'Ullah  and  loyalty  to  the  cause  of  God,  the  record  of  Abdul 
Baha's  life  is  pure  and  spotless,  wonderful  in  its  exaltation  and 
effulgent  with  the  beauty  of  holiness.  When  the  tyrannous  regime 
of  Sultan  Abdul  Ilamid  ended,  the  gates  of  Akka  were  thrown  open 
and  Abdul  Baha  came  forth  free  upon  the  fortieth  anniversary  of 
his  entrance  into  that  neglected  and  unspeakable  place.  This  w;is 
August  31,  1908.  In  1911,  two  years  after  his  release  from  a  liv- 
ing martyrdom  of  fifty-six  years  and  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  he 
visited  Europe,  returning  to  Egypt  from  whence  in  1912  he  sailed 
for  America  as  stated. 

Thus  far  the  evidences  of  divine  forces  and  influences  sur- 
rounding the  life  of  Abdul  Baha  should  be  sufficient  to  impress 
and  convince  any  thoughtful  soul  that  we  are  viewing  an  unusual 
and  majestic  personality,  a  world-commanding  figure  who  has 
appeared  for  the  uplift,  unification  and  peace  of  mankind.  Dark 
indeed  are  the  world-horizons  unless  we  behold  the  shining  beauty 
of  this  Sun  of  Reality.  The  human  world  plunging  deeper  and 
deeper  with  ever-increasing  momentum  into  seas  of  materialism  is 
crying  out  in  its  crucial  need  and  stress  for  help  and  remedy, — 
for  a  new  creative  spirit  of  life  and  regeneration, — a  power  and 
healing  direct  from  God.  And  just  at  this  time  Abdul  Baha  mes- 
senger of  Universal  Peace  and  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity 
is  sounding  his  call  of  salvation  to  the  nations  of  the  earth  in  heav- 
enly words  fortified  by  an  impelling  dynamic  spiritual  power  and 
surcharged  with  the  pure  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

The  divine  Covenant  outworking  its  purpose  and  plan  in  the 
history  and  destiny  of  mankind  has  been  revealed  progressively 
according  to  the  necessities  of  the  age  and  the  degree  of  human 
capacity.  In  each  dispensation  of  its  bounties  it  has  infused  a  new 
and  spiritual  impulse  into  minds  and  hearts  through  channels  of 
religious  belief.  These  irrigating  currents  have  been  the  source  of 
life  to  the  human  world  and  its  only  civilizing  impetus.  The  stand- 
ard of  human  requirement  in  every  cycle  has  been  obedience  to  the 
divine  Word  and  purpose,  firmness  and  steadfastness  in  the  ancient 
Covenant  of  God.  History  shows  how  invariably  and  inevitably  the 
people  of  the  Covenant,  as  in  the  time  of  Abraham,  Moses,  Jesus 
and  Mohammed  became  the  mightiest  civilizing  forces  and  forma- 


vi  INTRODUCTION 

tive  influences  in  human  progression,  and  how  through  obedience 
and  fidelity  to  the  messenger  of  the  Covenant  the  exigencies  con- 
fronting them  in  their  day  were  overcome,  their  difficulties  sur- 
mounted, their  questions  answered  and  uncertainties  dispelled,  so 
that  ever-widening  vistas  of  nobler  attainments  and  loftier  ranges  of 
vision  were  opened  to  them  in  the  horizons  of  human  destiny.  In 
reality  this  evolution  and  progression  constitute  the  bounties  of  the 
Covenant  itself,  divine  bestowals  of  higher  capacity  for  development, 
discovery  and  advancement.  That  is  to  say,  in  each  dispensation, 
through  the  gifts  and  bestowals  of  the  Covenant  the  people  of  the 
Covenant  have  been  quickened  by  a  power  which  enabled  them  to 
overcome  the  menace  of  difficulties  surrounding  them,  dominate 
their  environments,  make  conditions  minister  to  their  advance- 
ment and  growth,  purify  their  lives  and  laws,  strengthen  their 
institutions  and  uplift  themselves  to  the  beatitude  of  peace,  pros- 
perity and  unity ;  whereas  those  who  denied  the  Covenant  and  were 
deprived  of  its  bounties  have  succumbed  to  forces  and  surrounding 
conditions  and  have  passed  into  oblivion,  incapable  of  existence 
and  continuance.  This  is  the  inner,  penetrating  power  of  the  pure 
religion  of  God,  the  divine  leavening  spirit  of  the  Covenant  which 
has  manifested  itself  in  every  age  through  an  appointed  or  collec- 
tive center  whom  all  were  commanded  to  acknowledge  in  allegiance 
and  steadfastness  lest  they  become  deprived  of  the  outpouring 
and  overflowing  bestowals  of  God. 

Inasmuch  as  this  wonderful  century,  this  Day  of  God  is  uni- 
versal in  its  conditions  and  requirements,  characterized  by  an 
interrelationship  and  interdependence  never  before  witnessed  among 
the  nations  of  the  world,  and  inasmuch  as  the  Book  of  the  Coven- 
ant has  been  revealed  in  this  day  by  the  tongue  and  pen  of  His 
Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  to  all  races,  religions  and  peoples  without 
preference  or  favor,  naming  in  holy  words  and  text  the  one  to 
whom  all  must  turn  in  obedience  and  loyalty,  it  therefore  follows 
that  the  source  of  effulgent  power  and  heavenly  bestowals,  the  col- 
lective center  and  point  of  unity  from  which  the  bounties  of  the 
Covenant  are  now  outflowing  to  the  world  of  mankind  is  Abdul 
Baha,  Servant  of  Baha,  Center  of  the  Covenant  of  God.  He  is  the 
channel  of  purifying,  unifying  religious  belief,  the  new  impulse 
and  dynamic,  the  creative  spirit  of  regeneration,  the  power  and 
healing  direct  from  God,  the  irrigating  current  of  life  to  the  world 
of  man,  the  answerer  of  questions,  the  explainer  of  the  Book,  the 
bestower  of  spiritual  capacities,  the  uplifting  impetus  of  civiliza- 
tion, the  servant  of  all  mankind,  the  point  of  agreement  and  recon- 
ciliation for  all  the  divine  religions,  the  standard-bearer  of  Univer- 


INTRODUCTION  vii 

sal  Peace  and  messenger  of  the  Glad-Tidings  of  the  oneness  of  the 

world  of  humanity. 

Abdul  Baha's  station  of  servitude  in  the  divine  cause  is  there- 
fore world-wide  and  universal, — beyond  the  limitation  of  race, 
denomination,  creed  or  nationality; — a  station  supreme  in  its 
loftiness,  perfect  in  its  humility ; — Servant  of  the  servants  of  God. 
Significant  indeed  is  his  visit  to  the  shores  of  the  western  world; 
pregnant  indeed  are  his  words  to  the  highly  organized  material 
civilizations  of  the  Occident;  potent  indeed  his  message  of  peace 
and  unity  of  mankind,  cementing  the  east  and  the  west  in  spiritual 
solidarity,  blending  the  world  that  is  old  and  the  world  that  is 
new  under  the  beneficent  laws  of  the  heavenly  kingdom. 

In  obedience  to  the  direct  command  of  Abdul  Baha,  this  Intro- 
duction has  been  written  by  a  humble  follower  of  his  light  and  a 
devoted  lover  of  his  beauty.  May  the  Glory  of  God  illumine  this 
heart  and  guide  this  pen  to  do  his  will  in  this  most  great  respon- 
sibility. 

How.vRD  MacNutt. 


Extracts  from  Tablets 

To  his  honor  Mr.  Howard  MacNutt,  Brooklyn,  New  York,  U.  S.  A, 
O  thou  old  friend! 

Thy   intention   to   print   and    publish   the   discourses   of 

Abdul  Baha  which  thou  hast  compiled  is  indeed  very  advisable.  This 
service  shall  cause  thee  to  acquire  an  effulgent  face  in  the  Abha  kingdom 
and  shall  make  thee  the  object  of  praise  and  gratitude  of  the  friends  in 
the  east  as  well  as  the  west.  But  this  is  to  be  undertaken  with  the  utmost 
carefulness  so  that  the  exact  text  may  be  reproduced  and  that  all  errors 
and  deviations  committed  by  previous  interpreters  shall  be  excluded. 

Abdul  Baha  Abbas. 
(Haifa,  Palestine,  April  13,  1919.) 

To  his  honor  Mr.  Albert  R.  Windust,  Chicago,  Illinois,  U.  S.  A. 
O  thou  servant  of  His  Holiness  Baiia'Ullah! 

Name   the  book   which   Mr.   MacNutt   is   compiling 

"The  Promulgation  of  Universal  Peace."  As  to  its  Introduction,  it  should 
be  written  by  Mr.  MacNutt  himself  when  in  heart  he  is  turning  toward 
the  Abha  kingdom,  so  that  he  may  leave  a  permanent  trace  behind  him. 
Send  a  copy  of  it  to  the  Holy  Land. 

Abdul  Baha  Abbas. 
(Bahjeh,  Akka,  Palestine,  July  20,  1919.) 


[The  English  original  of  this  Introduction  was  sent  to  Abdul  Baha 
for  approval.  By  his  direction  it  was  translated  into  Persian  and  returned 
with  instructions  that  both  English  and  Persian  should  appear  in  the 
publication.] 


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1 


L 


DISCOURSES  BY 
ABDUL  BAHA 


The  Promulgation  of  Universal  Peace. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  New  York  and  Brooklyn. 

AprU  11,  1912,  at  780  West  End  Avenue,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward  B.  Kinney. 

Notes  by  Hooper  Harris 

LI OW  are  you?    Welcome!     Weleoiue! 

After  arriving  today,  although  weary  with  travel,  I  had  the 
utmost  longing  and  yearning  to  see  you  and  eould  not  resist  this 
meeting.  Now  tliat  I  have  met  you,  all  my  weariness  has  vanished, 
for  your  meeting  is  the  cause  of  spiritual  happiness, 

I  was  in  Egypt  and  was  not  feeling  well ;  but  I  wished  to  come 
to  you  in  America.  My  friends  said  "This  is  a  long  journey; 
the  sea  is  wide;  you  should  remain  here."  But  the  more  they 
advised  and  insisted,  the  greater  became  my  longing  to  take  this 
trip  and  now  I  have  come  to  America  to  meet  the  friends  of  God. 
This  long  voyage  will  prove  how  great  is  my  love  for  you.  There 
were  many  troubles  and  vicissitudes  but  in  the  thought  of  meeting 
you,  all  these  things  vanished  and  were  forgotten. 

I  am  greatly  pleased  with  the  city  of  New  York.  Its  harbor 
entrance,  its  piers,  buildings  and  broad  avenues  are  magnificent 
and  beautiful.  Truly  it  is  a  wonderful  city.  As  New  York  has 
made  such  progress  in  material  civilization,  I  hope  that  it  may  also 
advance  spiritually  in  the  kingdom  and  covenant  of  God  so  that 
the  friends  here  may  become  the  cause  of  the  illumination  of 
America ;  that  this  city  may  become  the  city  of  love  and  that  the 
fragrances  of  God  may  be  spread  from  this  place  to  all  parts  of  the 
world.  I  have  come  for  this.  I  pray  that  you  may  be  manifesta- 
tions of  the  love  of  Baha  'Ullah  ;  that  each  one  of  you  may  becomi^ 
like  a  clear  lamp  of  crystal  from  which  the  rays  of  the  bounties 
of  the  Blessed  Perfection  may  shine  forth  to  all  nations  and  peoples. 
This  is  my  highest  aspiration. 

It  was  a  long,  long  trip.  The  more  we  traveled  the  greater 
seemed  the  expanse  of  the  sea.  The  weather  was  brilliant  and  fine 
throughout ;  there  was  no  storm  and  no  end  to  the  sea. 

I  am  very  happy  to  meet  you  all  here  today.  Praise  be  to  God ! 
that  your  faces  are  shining  with  the  love  of  Baha  'Ullah.  To 
behold  them  is  the  cause  of  great  spiritual  happiness.  We  have 
arranged  to  meet  vou  every  day  at  the  homes  of  the  friends. 

1 


2         THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

In  the  East,  people  were  asking  me  "Why  do  you  undertake 
this  long  voyage;  your  body  cannot  endure  such  hardships  of 
travel?"  When  it  is  necessary,  my  body  can  endure  everything. 
It  has  withstood  forty  years  of  imprisonment  and  can  still  undergo 
the  utmost  trials. 

I  will  see  you  again.  Now  I  will  greet  each  one  of  you  per- 
sonally. It  is  my  hope  that  you  will  all  be  happy  and  that  we  may 
meet  again  and  again, 

II 

April  J2th,  1912,  at  935  Eastern  Parkway,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howard  MacNutt. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

THIS  is  a  most  happy  visit.  I  have  crossed  the  sea  from  the  land 
of  the  Orient  for  the  joy  of  meeting  the  friends  of  God. 
Although  weary  after  my  long  journey,  the  light  of  the  spirit  shin- 
ing in  your  faces  brings  me  rest  and  reward.  In  this  meeting,  the 
divine  susceptibilities  are  radiant.  This  is  a  spiritual  house;  the 
home  of  the  spirit.  There  is  no  discord  here ;  all  is  love  and  unity. 
When  souls  are  gathered  together  in  this  way  the  divine  bestowals 
descend.  The  purpose  of  the  creation  of  man  is  the  attainment  of 
the  supreme  virtues  of  humanity  through  descent  of  the  heavenly 
bestowals.  The  purpose  of  man's  creation  is  therefore  unity  and 
harmony,  not  discord  and  separateness.  If  the  atoms  which  compose 
the  kingdom  of  the  minerals  were  without  affinity  for  each  other 
the  earth  would  never  have  been  formed,  the  universe  could  not 
have  been  created.  Because  they  have  affinity  for  each  other  the 
power  of  life  is  able  to  manifest  itself  and  the  organisms  of  the 
phenomenal  world  become  possible.  When  this  attraction  or  atomic 
affinity  is  destroyed,  the  power  of  life  ceases  to  manifest ;  death  and 
non-existence  result. 

It  is  so  likewise  in  the  spiritual  world.  That  world  is  the  king- 
dom of  complete  attraction  and  affinity.  It  is  the  kingdom  of  the  one 
divine  spirit,  the  kingdom  of  God.  Therefore  the  affinity  and  love 
manifest  in  this  meeting,  the  divine  susceptibilities  witnessed  here 
are  not  of  this  world  but  of  the  world  of  the  kingdom.  When  the 
souls  become  separated  and  selfish  the  divine  bounties  do  not 
descend  and  the  lights  of  the  Supreme  Concourse  are  no  longer 
reflected  even  though  the  bodies  meet  together.  A  mirror  with  its 
back  turned  to  the  sun  has  no  power  to  reflect  the  sun's  effulgence. 
Praise  be  to  God!  the  purpose  of  this  assembly  is  love  and  unity. 

The  divine  prophets  came  to  establish  the  unity  of  the  kingdom 


DISCOURSE    DELIVERED    IN   BROOKLYN  3 

in  human  hearts.  All  of  them  proclaimed  the  glad-tidings  of  the 
divine  bestowals  to  the  world  of  mankind.  All  brought  the  same 
message  of  divine  love  to  the  world.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  gave 
his  life  upon  the  cross  for  the  unity  of  mankind.  Those  who  be- 
lieved in  him  likewise  sacrificed  life,  honor,  possessions,  family, 
everything,  that  this  human  world  might  be  released  from  the  hell 
of  discord,  enmity  and  strife.  His  foundation  was  the  oneness  of 
humanity.  Only  a  few  were  attracted  to  him.  They  were  not  the 
kings  and  rulers  of  his  time.  They  were  not  rich  and  important 
people.  Some  of  them  were  catchers  of  fishes.  Most  of  them  were 
ignorant  men  not  trained  in  the  knowledge  of  this  world.  One  of 
the  greatest  of  them,  Peter,  could  not  remember  the  days  of  the 
week.  All  of  them  were  men  of  the  least  consequence  in  the  eyes 
of  the  world.  But  their  hearts  were  pure  and  attracted  by  the  fires 
of  the  divine  spirit  manifested  in  Christ.  With  this  small  armv 
Christ  conquered  the  world  of  the  east  and  the  west.  Kings  and 
nations  rose  against  him.  Philosophers  and  the  greatest  men  of 
learning  assailed  and  blasphemed  his  cause.  All  were  defeated  and 
overcome;  their  tongues  silenced;  their  lamps  extinguished;  their 
hatred  quenched ;  no  trace  of  them  now  remains.  They  have  become 
as  non-existent  while  his  kingdom  is  triumphant  and  eternal. 

The  brilliant  star  of  his  cause  has  ascended  to  the  zenith  while 
night  has  enveloped  and  eclipsed  his  enemies.  His  name  beloved 
and  adored  by  a  few  disciples  now  commands  the  reverence  of 
kings  and  nations  of  the  world.  His  power  is  eternal ;  his  sover- 
eignty will  continue  forever  while  those  who  opposed  him  are  sleep- 
ing in  the  dust,  their  very  names  unknown,  forgotten.  The  little 
army  of  disciples  has  become  a  mighty  cohort  of  millions.  The 
Heavenly  Host,  the  Supreme  Concourse  are  his  legions,  the  Word 
of  God  is  his  sword,  the  power  of  God  is  his  victory. 

His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  knew  this  would  come  to  pass  and 
was  content  to  suffer.  His  abasement  was  his  glorification;  his 
crown  of  thorns  a  heavenly  diadem.  When  they  pressed  it  upon  his 
blessed  head  and  spat  in  his  beautiful  face  they  laid  the  foundation 
of  his  everlasting  kingdom.  He  still  reigns  while  they  and  their 
names  have  become  lost  and  unknown.  He  is  eternal  and  glorious ; 
they  are  non-existent.  They  sought  to  destroy  him  but  they  de- 
stroyed themselves  and  increased  the  intensity  of  his  flame  by  the 
winds  of  their  opposition. 

Through  his  death  and  teachings  we  have  entered  into  his  king- 
dom. His  essential  teaching  was  the  unity  of  mankind  and  attain- 
ment of  supreme  human  virtues  through  love.  He  came  to  establish 
the  kingdom  of  peace  and  everlasting  life.   Can  you  find  in  his  words 


4         THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

any  justification  for  discord  and  enmity?  The  purpose  of  his  life 
and  glory  of  his  death  was  to  set  mankind  free  from  the  sin  of  strife, 
war  and* bloodshed.  The  great  nations  of  the  world  boast  that  their 
laws  and  civilization  are  based  upon  the  religion  of  Christ.  Why 
then  do  they  make  war  upon  each  other?  The  kingdom  of  Christ 
cannot  be  upheld  by  destroying  and  disobeying  it.  The  banners  of 
his  armies  cannot  lead  the  forces  of  satan.  Consider  the  sad  picture 
cf  Italy  carrying  Avar  into  Tripoli.  If  you  should  announce  that 
Italy  was  a  barbarous  nation  and  not  Christian,  this  would  be 
vehemently  denied.  But  would  Christ  sanction  what  they  are  doing 
in  Tripoli?  Is  this  destruction  of  human  life  obedience  to  his  laws 
and  teachings  ?  Where  does  he  command  it  ?  Where  does  he  con- 
sent to  it  ?  He  was  killed  by  his  enemies ;  he  did  not  kill.  He  even 
loved  and  prayed  for  those  who  hung  him  upon  the  cross.  There- 
fore these  wars  and  cruelties,  this  bloodshed  and  sorrow  are  anti- 
Christ  not  Christ.  These  are  the  forces  of  death  and  satan,  not 
the  hosts  of  the  Supreme  Concourse  of  heaven. 

No  less  bitter  is  the  conflict  between  sects  and  denominations. 
Christ  was  a  divine  center  of  unity  and  love.  Whenever  discord 
prevails  instead  of  unity,  wherever  hatred  and  antagonism  take  the 
place  of  love  and  spiritual  fellow^ship,  anti-Christ  reigns  instead  of 
Christ.  Who  is  right  in  these  controversies  and  hatreds  between 
the  sects  ?  Did  Chi-ist  command  them  to  love  or  to  hate  each  other  ? 
Pie  loved  even  his  enemies  and  prayed  in  the  hour  of  his  crucifixion 
for  those  who  killed  him.  Therefore  to  be  a  Christian  is  not  merely 
to  bear  the  name  of  Christ  and  say  "I  belong  to  a  Christian  govern- 
ment. ' '  To  be  a  real  Christian  is  to  be  a  servant  in  his  cause  and 
kingdom,  to  go  forth  under  his  banner  of  peace  and  love  toward  all 
mankind,  to  be  self-sacrificing  and  obedient,  to  become  quickened  by 
the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  be  mirrors  reflecting  the  radiance 
of  the  divinity  of  Christ,  to  be  fruitful  trees  in  the  garden  of  his 
planting,  to  refresh  the  world  by  the  water  of  life  of  his  teachings; 
in  all  things  to  be  like  him  and  filled  with  the  spirit  of  his  love. 

Praise  be  to  God !  the  light  of  unity  and  love  is  shining  in  these 
faces.  These  spiritual  susceptibilities  are  the  real  fruits  of  heaven. 
His  Holiness  the  Bab,  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullaii  over  sixty  years 
ago  proclaimed  the  glad-tidings  of  Universal  Peace.  The  Bab  Avas 
martyred  in  the  cause  of  God.  His  Holiness  Baiia  'Ullah  suffered 
forty  years  as  a  prisoner  and  exile  in  order  that  the  kingdom  of 
love  might  be  established  in  the  east  and  west.  He  has  made  it 
possible  for  us  to  meet  here  in  love  and  unity.  Because  he  suffered 
imprisonment  we  are  free  to  proclaim  the  oneness  of  the  world  of 
humanity  for  which  he  stood  so  long  and  faithfully.    He  was  chained 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  TX  NEAY  YORK  5 

in  dungeons,  he  was  without  food,  his  companions  were  thieves  and 
criminals,  he  was  subjected  to  every  kind  of  abuse  and  infliction, 
but  throughout  it  all  he  never  ceased  to  proclaim  the  reality  of  the 
Word  of  God  and  the  oneness  of  humanity.  We  have  been  brought 
together  here  by  the  power  of  his  Word; — you  from  America,  I 
from  Persia, — all  in  love  and  unity  of  spirit.  Was  this  possible  in 
former  centuries?  If  it  is  possible  now  after  fifty  years  of  sacri- 
fice and  teaching,  what  shall  we  expect  in  the  wonderful  centuries 
coming  ? 

Therefore  let  your  faces  be  more  radiant  with  hope  and  heavenly 
determination  to  sei've  the  cause  of  God,  to  spread  the  pure  fra- 
grances of  the  divine  rose-garden  of  unity,  to  awaken  spiritual 
susceptibilities  in  the  hearts  of  mankind,  to  kindle  anew  the  spirit 
of  humanity  with  di\dne  fires  and  to  reflect  the  glory  of  heaven  to 
this  gloomy  world  of  materialism.  When  you  possess  these  divine 
susceptibilities  you  will  be  able  to  awaken  and  develop  them  in 
others.  W^e  cannot  give  of  our  wealth  to  the  poor  unless  we  possess 
it.  How  can  the  poor  give  to  the  poor  ?  How  can  the  soul  that  is 
deprived  of  the  heavenly  bounties  develop  capacity  to  receive  those 
bounties  in  other  souls? 

Array  yourselves  in  the  perfection  of  divine  virtues.  I  hope 
you  maj'  be  ciuickened  and  vivified  by  the  breaths  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  Then  shall  ye  indeed  become  the  angels  of  heaven  whom 
('hrist  promised  would  appear  in  this  Day  to  gather  the  hai'\'est  of 
divine  planting.     This  is  my  hope.     This  is  my  prayer  for  you. 


Ill 

April  12,   1912,  at  39  West  67th  Street,  Xcir  York. 
Studio  of  Miss  Phillips. 

Notes  by  John  G.  Grundy 

I  GIVE  you  greeting  in  love  and  unity.  The  affairs  of  this  world 
are  to  be  accounted  as  nothing  compared  to  the  joy  and  heavenly 
happiness  of  meeting  the  friends  of  God.  It  is  to  experience  this 
great  joy  and  blessing  that  1  have  come  here  although  weary  from 
my  long  voyage  upon  the  sea.  Tonight  I  am  in  greatest  happiness, 
looking  upon  this  concourse  of  God.  Your  meeting  here  is  surely 
an  evidence  that  you  are  upliolding  the  cause  of  God ;  that  you  are 
aiding  and  assisting  in  establishing  the  kingdom  of  God.  Therefore 
the  culmination  of  my  happiness  is  to  look  upon  your  faces  and 
realize  that  you  have  been  brought  together  by  the  power  of  the 
Blessed  Perfection  Baiia  'Ullah.     In  this  meeting  you  are  uphold- 


6         THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

ing  his  standard  and  assisting  his  cause.  Therefore  I  behold  in 
you  the  making  of  a  goodly  tree  upon  which  divine  fruits  will 
appear,  to  give  sustenance  to  the  world  of  humanity. 

With  hearts  set  aglow  by  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God  and  spirits 
refreshed  by  the  food  of  the  heavenly  spirit  you  must  go  forth  as 
the  disciples  nineteen  hundred  years  ago,  quickening  the  hearts  of 
men  by  the  call  of  glad-tidings,  the  light  of  God  in  your  faces, 
severed  from  everything  save  God.  Therefore  order  your  lives  in 
accordance  with  the  first  principle  of  the  divine  teaching,  which  is 
love.  Service  to  humanity  is  service  to  God.  Let  the  love  and  light 
of  the  kingdom  radiate  through  you  until  all  who  look  upon  you 
shall  be  illumined  by  its  reflection.  Be  as  stars  brilliant  and 
sparkling  in  the  loftiness  of  their  heavenly  station.  Do  you  appre- 
ciate the  Day  in  which  you  live  ? 

This  is  the  century  of  the  Blessed  Perfection ! 
This  is  the  cycle  of  the  light  of  his  beauty ! 
This  is  the  consummate  day  of  all  the  prophets ! 
These  are  the  days  of  seed-sowing.    These  are  the  days  of  tree- 
planting.    The  bountiful  bestowals  of  God  are  successive.    He  who 
sows  a  seed  in  this  day  will  behold  his  reward  in  the  fruits  and 
harvest  of  the  heavenly  kingdom.    This  timely  seed  when  planted 
in  the  hearts  of  the  beloved  of  God  will  be  watered  by  showers 
of  divine  mercy  and  warmed  by  the  sunshine  of  divine  love.    Its 
fruitage  and  flower  shall  be  the  solidarity  of  mankind,  perfection 
of  justice  and  praiseworthy  attributes  of  heaven  manifest  in  hu- 
manity.   All  who  sow  such  a  seed  and  plant  such  a  tree  according 
to  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah  shall  surely  witness  this  divine 
outcome  in  the  degrees  of  its  perfection  and  will  attain  unto  the 
good-pleasure  of  his  highness  the  merciful  One. 

Today  the  nations  of  the  world  are  self -engaged ;  occupied  with 
mortal  and  transitory  accomplishments;  consumed  by  the  fires  of 
passion  and  self.  Self  is  dominant ;  enmity  and  animosity  prevail. 
Nations  and  peoples  are  thinking  only  of  their  worldly  interests  and 
outcomes.  The  clash  of  war  and  din  of  strife  are  heard  among  them. 
But  the  friends  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  have  no  thoughts  save 
the  thoughts  of  heaven  and  the  love  of  God.  Therefore  you  must 
without  delay  employ  your  powers  in  spreading  the  effulgent  glow 
of  the  love  of  God  and  so  order  your  lives  that  you  may  be  known 
and  seen  as  examples  of  its  radiance.  You  must  deal  with  all  in 
loving-kindness  in  order  that  this  precious  seed  entrusted  to  your 
planting  may  continue  to  grow  and  bring  forth  its  perfect  fruit. 
The  love  and  mercy  of  God  will  accomplish  this  through  you  if 
you  have  love  in  your  own  heart. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  7 

The  doors  of  the  kingdom  are  opened.  The  lights  of  the  Sun  of 
Truth  are  shining.  The  clouds  of  the  divine  mercy  are  raining 
down  their  priceless  jewels.  The  zei)hyrs  of  a  new  and  divine 
springtime  are  wafting  their  fragrant  breaths  from  the  world 
invisible.     Know  ye  then  the  value  of  these  days. 

Awake  ye  to  the  realization  of  this  heavenly  opportunity.  Strive 
with  all  the  power  of  your  souls,  your  deeds,  actions  and  words  to 
assist  the  spread  of  these  glad-tidings  and  descent  of  this  merciful 
bounty.  You  are  the  reality  and  expression  of  your  deeds  and 
actions.  If  you  abide  by  the  precepts  and  teachings  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection  the  heavenly  world  and  ancient  kingdom  will  be  yours ; 
happiness  eternal,  love  and  life  everlasting.  The  divine  bounties 
are  flowing.  Each  one  of  you  has  been  given  the  opportunity  of 
becoming  a  tree  yielding  abundant  fruits.  This  is  the  springtime 
of  Baha  'Ullaii.  The  verdure  and  foliage  of  spiritual  growth 
are  appearing  in  great  abundance  in  the  gardens  of  human  hearts. 
Know  ye  the  value  of  these  passing  days  and  vanishing  nights. 
Strive  to  attain  a  station  of  absolute  love  one  toward  another.  By 
the  absence  of  love,  enmity  increases.  By  the  exercise  of  love,  love 
strengthens  and  enmities  dwindle  away. 

Consider  me — in  years  of  my  advanced  age,  burdened  with 
phj'sical  infirmities — crossing  the  wide  ocean  to  look  upon  your 
faces.  It  is  my  hope  that  through  the  life  of  the  spirit  you  may 
all  become  as  one  soul,  as  one  tree  adorning  the  rose-garden  of  the 
kingdom.  It  is  my  hope  that  the  endless  treasures  of  the  bestowals 
of  God  may  be  yours  here  and  hereafter.  It  is  my  prayer  that  the 
Supreme  Concourse  may  be  illumined  by  your  brilliant  lights  shin- 
ing forever  in  the  heavens  of  eternal  glory. 


IV 

April  13,  1912,  at  141  East  21st  Street,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  Morten. 

Notes   by    Esther    Foster 

iRAISE  be  to  God!  this  is  a  radiant  gathering.  The  faces  are 
brilliant  with  the  light  of  God.  The  hearts  are  attracted  to  the 
kingdom  of  Baha.  I  beg  of  God  that  day  by  day  your  faces  may 
become  brighter ;  day  by  day  you  may  draw  nearer  to  God ;  day  by 
day  you  may  take  a  greater  portion  from  the  outpourings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  so  that  you  may  become  encircled  by  the  bounties  of 
heaven. 

The  world  spiritual  is  like  unto  the  world  phenomenal.  They  are 


P 


8         THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

the  exact  counterpart  of  each  other.  Whatever  objects  appear  in 
this  world  of  existence  are  the  outer  pictures  of  the  world  of  heaven. 
When  we  look  upon  the  phenomenal  world  we  perceive  that  it  is 
divided  into  four  seasons ;  one  is  the  season  of  spring,  another  the 
season  of  summer,  another  autumn  and  then  these  three  seasons 
are  followed  by  winter.  When  the  season  of  spring  appears  in  the 
arena  of  existence  the  whole  world  is  rejuvenated  and  finds  new  life. 
The  soul-refreshing  breeze  is  wafted  from  every  direction ;  the  soul- 
quickening  bounty  is  everywhere ;  the  cloud  of  mercy  showers  down 
its  rain  and  the  sun  shines  upon  everything.  Day  by  day  we 
perceive  that  the  signs  of  vegetation  are  all  about  us.  Wonderful 
flowers,  hyacinths  and  roses  perfume  the  nostrils.  The  trees  are 
full  of  leaves  and  blossoms,  and  the  blossoms  are  followed  by  fruit. 
The  spring  and  summer  are  followed  by  autumn  and  winter.  The 
flowers  wither  and  are  no  more ;  the  leaves  turn  gray  and  life  has 
gone.  Then  comes  another  springtime;  the  former  springtime  is 
renewed;  again  a  new  life  stirs  within  everything. 

The  appearances  of  the  manifestations  of  God  are  the  divine 
springtime.  When  His  Holiness  Christ  appeared  in  this  world  it 
was  like  the  vernal  bounty;  the  outpouring  descended;  the 
effulgences  of  the  Merciful  encircled  all  things ;  the  human  world 
found  new  life.  Even  the  physical  world  partook  of  it.  The 
divine  perfections  were  upraised ;  souls  were  trained  in  the  school 
of  heaven  so  that  all  grades  of  human  existence  received  life  and 
light.  Then  by  degrees  these  fragrances  of  heaven  were  discon- 
tinued ;  the  season  of  winter  came  upon  the  world ;  the  beauties  of 
spring  vanished;  the  excellences  and  perfections  passed  away; 
the  lights  and  quickening  were  no  longer  evident;  the  phenomenal 
world  and  its  materialities  conquered  everything ;  the  spiritualities 
of  life  were  lost ;  the  world  of  existence  became  like  unto  a  lifeless 
body ;  there  was  no  trace  of  the  spring  left. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  has  come  into  this  world.  He  has 
renewed  that  springtime.  The  same  fragrances  are  wafting;  the 
same  heat  of  the  Sun  is  giving  life ;  the  same  cloud  is  pouring  its 
rain  and  with  our  own  eyes  we  see  that  the  world  of  existence  is 
advancing  and  progressing.    The  human  world  has  found  new  life. 

I  hope  that  each  and  all  of  you  may  become  like  unto  verdant 
and  green  trees  so  that  through  the  breezes  of  the  divine  spring, 
the  outpouring  of  heaven,  the  heat  of  the  Sun  of  Truth,  you  may 
become  eternally  refreshed ;  that  you  may  bear  blossoms  and  become 
fruitful;  that  you  may  not  be  as  fraitless  trees.  Fruitless  trees 
do  not  bring  forth  fruits  or  flowers.  I  hope  that  all  of  you  may 
become  friends  of  the  paradise  of  Abha,  appearing  with  the  utmost 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  9 

freshness  and  spiritual  beauty.    I  pray  in  your  behalf  and  beg  of 
God  conHrniation  and  assistance. 


April  14,  1912,  at  Fifth  Avenue  and  10th  Street,  New  York. 

Church  of  the  Ascension. 

Notes  by  Ahmed  Sohrab  and  Howard  MacNutt 

IN  his  scriptural  lesson  this  morning    the  revered  Doctor  read  a 
verse  from  the  Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to  the  Corinthians,  ' '  For  now 
we  see  through  a  glass  darkly,  but  then  face  to  face."' 

The  light  of  truth  has  heretofore  been  seen  dimly  through  varie- 
gated glasses,  but  now  the  splendors  of  divinity  shall  be  visible 
through  the  translucent  mirrors  of  pure  hearts  and  spirits.  The  light 
of  truth  is  the  divine  teaching,  heavenly  instruction,  merciful  princi- 
ples and  spiritual  civilization.  Since  my  arrival  in  this  country 
I  find  that  material  civilization  has  progressed  greatly ;  that  com- 
merce has  attained  the  utmost  degree  of  expansion  ;  arts,  agriculture 
and  all  details  of  material  civilization  have  reached  the  highest  stage 
of  perfection ;  but  spiritual  civilization  has  been  left  behind, 
^laterial  civilization  is  like  unto  the  lamp,  while  spiritual  civiliza- 
tion is  the  light  in  that  lamp.  If  the  material  and  spiritual  civiliza- 
tion become  united,  then  we  will  have  the  light  and  the  lamp  to- 
gether and  the  outcome  will  be  perfect.  For  material  civilization 
is  like  unto  a  beautiful  body  and  spiritual  civilization  is  like  unto 
the  spirit  of  life.  If  that  wondrous  spirit  of  life  enters  this  beau- 
tiful body,  the  body  will  become  a  channel  for  the  distribution  and 
development  of  the  perfections  of  humanity. 

His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  came  to  teach  the  people  of  the  world 
this  heavenly  civilization  and  not  material  civilization.  He  breathed 
the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  into  the  body  of  the  world  and 
established  an  illumined  civilization.  Among  the  principles  of 
divine  civilization  he  came  to  proclaim  is  the  "INIost  Great  Peace" 
of  mankind.  Among  his  principles  of  spiritual  civilization  is  the 
oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity.  Among  the  principles  of 
heavenly  civilization  he  brought  is  the  virtue  of  the  human  world. 
Among  the  principles  of  celestial  civilization  he  announced  is  the 
improvement  and  betterment  of  human  morals. 

Today  the  world  of  humanity  is  in  need  of  international  unity 
and  conciliation.  To  establish  these  great  fundamental  principles 
a  propelling  power  is  needed.  It  is  self-evident  that  unity  of  the 
human  world  and  the  "Most  Great  Peace"  cannot  be  accomplished 
through  material  means.    They  cannot  be  established  through  polit- 


10       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

ical  power,  for  the  political  interests  of  nations  are  various  and  the 
policies  of  peoples  are  divergent  and  conflicting.  They  cannot  be 
founded  through  racial  or  patriotic  power,  for  these  are  human 
powers,  selfish  and  weak.  The  very  nature  of  racial  differences 
and  patriotic  prejudices  prevents  the  realization  of  this  unity  and 
agreement.  Therefore  it  is  evidenced  that  the  promotion  of  the 
oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity  which  is  the  essence  of  the 
teachings  of  all  the  manifestations  of  God  is  impossible  except 
through  the  divine  power  and  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Other 
powers  are  too  weak  and  are  incapable  of  accomplishing  this. 

For  man,  two  wings  are  necessary.  One  wing  is  the  physical 
power  and  material  civilization;  the  other  is  the  spiritual  power 
and  divine  civilization.  With  one  wing  only,  flight  is  impossible. 
Two  wings  are  essential.  Therefore  no  matter  how  much  material 
civilization  advances  it  cannot  attain  to  perfection  except  through 
uplift  of  the  spiritual  civilization. 

All  the  prophets  have  come  to  promote  divine  bestowals,  to 
found  the  spiritual  civilization  and  teach  the  principles  of  morality. 
Therefore  we  must  strive  with  all  our  powers  so  that  spiritual 
influences  may  gain  the  victory.  For  material  forces  have  attacked 
mankind.  The  world  of  humanity  is  submerged  in  a  sea  of  ma- 
terialism. The  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  are  seen  but  dimly  and 
darkly  through  opaque  glasses.  The  penetrative  power  of  the 
divine  bounty  is  not  fully  manifest. 

In  Persia,  among  the  various  religions  and  sects  there  were 
intense  differences.  His  Holiness  Baha 'Ullah  appeared  in  that 
country  and  founded  the  spiritual  civilization.  He  established 
affiliation  among  the  various  peoples,  promoted  the  oneness  of  the 
human  world  and  unfurled  the  banner  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace." 
He  wrote  special  epistles  covering  these  facts  to  all  the  kings  and 
rulers  of  nations.  Sixty  years  ago  he  conveyed  his  message  to 
the  leaders  of  the  political  world  and  to  high  dignitaries  of  the 
spiritual  world.  Therefore  spiritual  civilization  is  progressing  in 
the  Orient  and  oneness  of  humanity  and  peace  among  the  nations 
is  being  accomplished  step  by  step.  Now  I  find  a  strong  movement 
for  Universal  Peace  emanating  from  America.  It  is  my  hope  that 
this  standard  of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  may  be 
upraised  with  the  utmost  solidity,  so  that  the  Orient  and  Occident 
may  become  perfectly  reconciled,  attain  complete  inter-communica- 
tion, the  hearts  of  the  east  and  west  become  united  and  attracted, 
real  union  become  unveiled,  the  light  of  guidance  shine,  divine 
effulgences  be  seen  day  by  day  so  that  the  world  of  humanity 
may   find    complete   tranquillity,    the   eternal   happiness   of   man 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  11 

become  evident  and  the  hearts  of  the  people  of  the  world  be  as 
mirrors  in  which  the  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  may  be  reflected. 
Consequently  it  is  my  request  that  you  should  strive  so  that  the 
light  of  reality  may  shine  and  the  everlasting  felicity  of  the  world 
of  man  become  apparent. 

I  will  pray  for  you  so  you  may  attain  this  everlasting  happiness. 
When  I  arrived  in  this  city  I  was  made  very  happy  for  I  perceived 
that  the  people  here  have  capacity  for  divine  bestowals  and  have 
worthiness  for  the  civilization  of  heaven.  I  pray  that  you  may 
attain  to  all  merciful  bounties. 

Prayer. 

0  Almighty!  0  God!  O  Thou  compassionate  One!  This 
servant  of  thine  has  hastened  to  the  regions  of  the  west  from  the 
uttermost  parts  of  the  east  that  perchance  these  nostrils  may  be 
perfumed  by  the  fragrances  of  thy  bestowals;  that  the  breeze  of 
the  rose-garden  of  guidance  may  blow  over  these  cities ;  that  the 
people  may  attain  to  the  capacity  of  receiving  thy  favors;  that 
the  hearts  may  be  rejoiced  through  thy  glad-tidings;  that  the  eyes 
may  behold  the  light  of  reality ;  that  the  ears  may  hearken  to  the  call 
of  the  kingdom.  0  Almighty!  Illumine  the  hearts.  0  kind  God! 
Make  the  souls  the  envy  of  the  rose-garden  and  the  meadow.  O 
incomparable  beloved !  Waft  the  fragrance  of  thy  bounty.  Radi- 
ate the  lights  of  compassion  so  that  the  hearts  may  be  cleansed 
and  purified  and  that  they  may  take  a  share  and  portion  from  thy 
confirmations.  Verily  this  congregation  is  seeking  thy  path,  search- 
ing for  thy  mystery,  beholding  thy  face  and  desiring  to  be  char- 
acterized with  thine  attributes. 

O  Almighty!  Confer  thou  infinite  bounties.  Bestow  thy  in- 
exhaustible treasury  so  that  these  impotent  ones  may  become 
powerful. 

Verily  thou  are  the  kind!  Thou  art  the  generous!  Thou  are 
the  omniscient,  the  omnipotent ! 

VI 

April  Id,  1912,  at  Carnegie  Lyceum,  West  57t}i  Street,  New  York. 
Union  Meeting  of  Advanced  Thought  Centers. 

Notes  by  Mountfort  MiUs  and  Howard  MacNutt 

I  HAVE  come  from  distant  lands  to  visit  the  meetings  and  assem- 
blies of  this  country.  In  every  meeting  I  find  people  gathered 
loving  each  other;  therefore  I  am  greatly  pleased.  The  bond  of 
union  is  evidenced  in  this  assembly  today    where  the  power  of 


12       THE  PlfOMULGATlON  OP  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

God  has  brought  together  in  faith,  agreement  and  concord  those 
who  are  engaged  in  furthering  the  development  of  the  human 
world.  It  is  my  hope  that  all  mankind  may  become  similarly  united 
in  the  bond  and  agreement  of  love.  Unity  is  the  expression  of  the 
loving  power  of  God  and  reflects  the  reality  of  divinity.  It  is  re- 
splendent in  this  day  through  the  bestowals  of  light  upon  humanity. 

Throughout  the  universe  the  divine  power  is  effulgent  in  endless 
images  and  pictures.  The  world  of  creation,  the  world  of  hu- 
manity may  be  likened  to  the  earth  itself  and  the  divine  power 
to  the  sun.  This  Sun  has  shone  upon  all  mankind.  In  the  endless 
variety  of  its  reflections  the  divine  will  is  manifested.  Consider 
how  all  are  recipients  of  the  bounty  of  the  same  Sun.  At  most  the 
difference  between  them  is  that  of  degree,  for  the  effulgence  is  one 
effulgence,  the  one  light  emanating-  from  the  Sun.  This  will  express 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  The  body-politic  or  the 
social  unity  of  the  human  world  may  be  likened  to  an  ocean  and 
each  member,  each  individual  a  wave  upon  that  same  ocean. 

The  light  of  the  sun  becomes  apparent  in  each  ob.ject  according 
to  the  capacity  of  that  object.  The  difference  is  simply  one  of 
degree  and  receptivity.  The  stone  would  be  a  recipient  only  to  a 
limited  extent ;  another  created  thing  might  be  as  a  mirror  wherein 
the  sun  is  fully  reflected ;  but  the  same  light  shines  upon  both. 

The  most  important  thing  is  to  polish  the  mirrors  of  hearts  in 
order  that  they  may  become  illumined  and  receptive  of  the  divine 
light.  One  heart  may  possess  the  capacity  of  the  polished  mirror : 
another  be  covered  and  obscured  by  the  dust  and  dross  of  this 
world.  Although  the  same  Sun  is  shining  upon  both,  in  the  mirror 
which  is  polished,  pure  and  sanctiflcd  you  may  behold  the  Sun  in 
all  its  fullness,  glory  and  power  revealing  its  majesty  and  efful- 
gence, but  in  the  mirror  which  is  rusted  and  obscured  there  is  no 
capacity  for  reflection  although  so  far  as  the  Sun  itself  is  con- 
cerned it  is  shining  thereon  and  is  neither  lessened  nor  deprived. 
Therefore  our  duty  lies  in  seeking  to  polish  the  mirrors  of  our 
hearts  in  order  that  we  shall  become  reflectors  of  that  light  and 
recipients  of  the  divine  bounties  which  may  be  fully  revealed 
through  them. 

This  means  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  That  is  to 
say,  when  this  human  body-politic  reaches  a  state  of  absolute  unity, 
the  effulgence  of  the  eternal  Sun  will  make  its  fullest  light  and 
heat  manifest.  Therefoi'e  we  must  not  make  distinctions  between 
individual  members  of  the  human  family.  We  must  not  consider 
any  soul  as  barren  or  deprived.  Our  duty  lies  in  educating  souls 
so  that  the  Sun  of  the  bestowals  of  God  shall  become  resplendent 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  13 

in  them,  and  this  is  possible  through  the  power  of  the  oneness 
of  humanity.  The  more  love  is  expressed  among  mankind  and  the 
stronger  the  power  of  unity,  the  greater  will  be  this  retiection  and 
revelation,  for  the  greatest  bestowal  of  God  is  love.  Love  is  the 
source  of  all  the  bestowals  of  God.  Until  love  takes  possession  of 
the  heart   no  other  divine  bounty  can  be  revealed  in  it. 

All  the  prophets  have  striven  to  make  love  manifest  in  the  hearts 
of  men.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  sought  to  create  this  love  in  the 
hearts.  He  suffered  all  difficulties  and  ordeals  that  perchance  the 
liuman  heart  might  become  the  fountain-source  of  love.  Therefore 
we  must  strive  with  all  our  heart  and  soul  that  this  lovo  may  take 
possession  of  us  so  that  all  humanity  whether  it  be  in  the  east 
or  in  the  west  may  be  connected  through  the  bond  of  this  divine 
affection ;  for  we  are  all  the  waves  of  one  sea ;  we  have  come  into 
being  through  the  same  bestowal  and  are  recipients  from  the  same 
center.  The  lights  of  earth  are  all  acceptable,  but  the  center  of 
effulgence  is  the  sun  and  we  must  direct  our  gaze  to  the  sun.  God 
is  the  supreme  center.  The  more  we  turn  toward  this  center  of 
light,  the  greater  will  be  our  capacity. 

In  the  Orient  there  were  great  differences  among  races  and 
l^eoples.  They  hated  each  other  and  there  was  no  association  among 
them.  Various  and  divergent  sects  were  hostile,  irreconcilable. 
The  different  races  were  in  constant  war  and  conflict.  About  sixty 
years  ago  BaHxV  'Ullah  appeared  upon  the  eastern  horizon.  He 
caused  love  and  unity  to  become  manifest  among  these  antag- 
onistic peoples.  He  united  them  wath  the  bond  of  love;  their 
former  hatred  and  animosity  passed  away ;  love  and  unity  reigned 
instead.  It  was  a  dark  world ;  it  became  radiant.  A  new  spring- 
time appeared  through  him,  for  the  Sun  of  Truth  had  risen  again. 
In  the  fields  and  meadows  of  human  hearts  variegated  flowers  of 
inner  significance  were  blooming  and  the  good  fruits  of  the  king- 
dom of  God  became  manifest. 

I  have  come  here  with  this  mission;  that  through  your  en- 
deavors, through  your  heavenly  morals,  tiirough  your  devoted 
efforts  a  perfect  bond  of  unity  and  love  may  be  established  between 
the  east  and  the  west,  so  that  the  bestowals  of  God  may  descend 
upon  all  and  that  all  may  be  seen  to  be  the  parts  of  the  same  tree, — 
the  great  tree  of  the  human  family.  For  mankind  may  be  likened 
to  the  branches,  leaves,  blossoms  and  fruit  of  that  tree. 

The  favors  of  God  are  unending,  limitless.  Infinite  bounties 
have  encompassed  the  world.  AVe  must  emulate  the  bounties  of 
(lod,  and  just  as  each  one  of  them — the  bounty  of  life  for  instance — 
surrounds  and  encompasses  all,  so  likewise  nuist  we  be  coiniected 


14       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

and  blended  together  until  each  part  shall  become  the  expression 
of  the  whole. 

Consider;  we  plant  a  seed.  A  complete  and  perfect  tree  ap- 
pears from  it,  and  from  each  seed  of  this  tree  another  tree  can  be 
produced.  Therefore  the  part  is  expressive  of  the  whole,  for  this 
seed  was  a  part  of  the  tree,  but  therein  potentially  was  the  whole 
tree.  So  each  one  of  us  may  become  expressive  or  representative 
of  all  the  bounties  of  life  to  mankind.  This  is  the  unity  of  the 
world  of  humanity.  This  is  the  bestowal  of  God.  This  is  the 
felicity  of  the  human  world  and  this  is  the  manifestation  of  the 
divine  favor. 

VII. 

April  15,  1912,  at  327  West  End  Avenue,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mountfort  Mills. 

Compiled  from  Stenographic  Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

A  FEW  days  ago  I  arrived  in  New  York,  coming  direct  from 
Alexandria.  On  a  former  trip  I  traveled  to  Europe,  visiting 
Paris  and  London.  Paris  is  most  beautiful  in  outward  appearance. 
The  evidences  of  material  civilization  there  are  very  great  but  the 
spiritual  civilization  is  far  behind.  I  found  the  people  of  that  city 
submerged  and  drowning  in  a  sea  of  materialism.  Their  conversa- 
tions and  discussions  were  limited  to  natural  and  physical  phe- 
nomena, without  mention  of  God.  I  was  greatly  astonished.  Most 
of  the  scholars,  professors  and  learned  men  proved  to  be  mate- 
rialists. I  said  to  them  *'I  am  surprised  and  astonished  that 
men  of  such  perceptive  caliber  and  evident  knowledge  should  still 
be  captives  of  nature,  not  recognizing  the  self-evident  Reality." 

The  phenomenal  world  is  entirely  subject  to  the  rule  and 
control  of  natural  law.  These  myriad  suns,  satellites  and  heavenly 
bodies  throughout  endless  space  are  all  captives  of  nature.  They 
cannot  transgress  in  a  single  point  or  particular  the  fixed  laws  which 
govern  the  physical  universe.  The  sun  in  its  immensity,  the  ocean 
in  its  vastness  are  incapable  of  violating  these  universal  laws. 
All  phenomenal  beings, — the  plants  in  their  kingdom,  even  the 
animals  with  their  intelligence  are  nature's  subjects  and  captives. 
All  live  within  the  bounds  of  natural  law,  and  nature  is  the  ruler 
of  all  except  man.  Man  is  not  the  captive  of  nature,  for  although 
according  to  natural  law  he  is  a  being  of  the  earth,  yet  he  guides 
ships  over  the  ocean,  flies  through  the  air  in  aeroplanes,  descends 
in  submarines; — therefore  he  has  overcome  natural  law  and  made 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  15 

it  subservient  to  his  wishes.  For  instance,  he  imprisons  in  an  in- 
candescent lamp  the  illimitable  natural  energy  called  electricity — 
a  material  force  which  can  cleave  mountains — and  bids  it  give 
him  light.  He  takes  the  human  voice  and  confines  it  in  the  phono- 
graph for  his  benefit  and  amusement.  According  to  his  natural 
power,  man  should  be  able  to  communicate  a  limited  distance  but 
by  overcoming  the  restrictions  of  nature  he  can  annihilate  space 
and  send  telephone  messages  thousands  of  miles.  All  the  sciences, 
arts  and  discoveries  were  mysteries  of  nature,  and  according  to 
natural  law  these  mysteries  should  remain  latent,  hidden,  but  man 
has  proceeded  to  break  this  law,  free  himself  from  this  rule  and 
bring  them  forth  into  the  realm  of  the  visible.  Therefore  he  is 
the  ruler  and  commander  of  nature.  Man  has  intelligence ;  nature 
has  not.  Man  has  volition ;  nature  is  minus.  Man  has  memory ; 
nature  is  without  it.  Man  has  the  reasoning  faculty;  nature  is 
deprived.  Man  has  the  perceptive  faculty ;  nature  cannot  perceive. 
It  is  therefore  proved  and  evident  that  man  is  nobler  than  nature. 

If  we  accept  the  supposition  that  man  is  but  a  part  of  nature, 
we  are  confronted  by  an  illogical  statement,  for  this  is  equivalent 
to  claiming  that  a  part  may  be  endowed  with  qualities  which  are 
absent  in  the  whole.  For  man  who  is  a  part  of  nature  has  per- 
ception, intelligence,  memory,  conscious  reflection  and  susceptibility, 
while  nature  itself  is  quite  bereft  of  them.  How  is  it  possible  for 
the  part  to  be  possessed  of  qualities  or  faculties  which  are  absent 
in  the  whole?  The  truth  is  that  God  has  given  to  man  certain 
powers  which  are  super-natural.  How  then  can  man  be  considered 
a  captive  of  nature?  Is  he  not  dominating  and  controlling  nature 
to  his  own  uses  more  and  more?  Is  he  not  the  very  divinity  of 
nature?  Shall  we  say  nature  is  blind,  nature  is  not  perceptive, 
nature  is  without  volition  and  not  alive,  and  then  relegate  man 
to  nature  and  its  limitations?  How  can  we  answer  this  question? 
How  will  the  materialists  and  scholastic  atheists  prove  and  support 
such  a  supposition?  As  a  matter  of  fact  they  themselves  make 
natural  laws  subservient  to  their  own  wish  and  purpose.  The  proof 
is  complete  that  in  man  there  is  a  power  beyond  the  limitations 
of  nature,  and  that  power  is  the  bestowal  of  God. 

In  New  York  I  find  the  people  more  endowed  with  spiritual 
susceptibilities.  They  are  not  mere  captives  of  nature's  control; 
they  are  rising  out  of  the  bonds  and  burden  of  captivity.  For  this 
reason  I  am  very  happy  and  hopeful  that,  God  willing,  in  this 
populous  country,  in  this  vast  continent  of  the  west,  the  virtues 
of  the  world  of  humanity  shall  become  resplendent,  that  the  oneness 
of  human  world-power,  the  love  of  God,  may  enkindle  the  hearts, 


16       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

and  that  international  peace  may  hoist  its  standards,  influencing 
all  other  regions  and  countries  from  here.     This  is  my  hope. 

VIII 

April  16,  1912,  at  Hotel  Ansonia,  Broadivay  and  73rd  Street, 

Neiv  York. 
Bahai  Friends  of  New  Jersey. 

Notes    by    Ahmed    .Sohrab 

SOULS  from  the  east  and  west  have  been  brought  together  here 
through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Such  a  gathering  as 
this  would  be  impossible  through  material  means.  A  meeting 
of  this  kind  has  never  been  established  in  New  York,  for  here 
tonight  we  find  people  from  remote  regions  of  the  earth,  associated 
with  the  people  of  America  in  the  utmost  love  and  spiritual  unity. 
This  is  only  possible  through  the  power  of  God.  His  Holiness 
the  Christ  appeared  in  this  world  nineteen  hundred  years  ago 
to  establish  ties  of  unity  and  bonds  of  love  between  the  various 
nations  and  different  communities.  He  cemented  together  the 
sciences  of  Rome  and  the  splendors  of  the  civilization  of  Greece. 
He  also  accomplished  affiliation  between  the  Assyrian  kingdom  and 
the  power  of  Egypt.  The  blending  of  these  nations  in  unity,  love 
and  agreement  had  been  impossible,  but  His  Holiness  the  Christ 
through  divine  power  established  this  condition  among  the  children 
of  men. 

A  much  greater  difficulty  confronts  us  today  when  we  endeavor 
to  establish  unity  between  the  Orient  and  the  Occident.  His 
Holiness  Baiia  'Ullah  through  the  power  of  heaven  has  brought 
the  east  and  the  west  together.  Ere  long  we  shall  know  that  they 
have  been  cemented  by  the  power  of  God.  The  oneness  of  the 
kingdom  of  humanity  will  supplant  the  banner  of  conquest  and 
all  communities  of  the  earth  will  gather  under  its  protection.  No 
nation  with  separate  and  restricted  boundaries,  such  as  Persia  for 
instance,  will  exist.  The  United  States  of  America  will  be  known 
only  as  a  name.  Germany.  France.  England.  Turkey,  Arabia— 
all  these  various  nations  will  be  welded  together  in  unity.  When 
the  people  of  the  future  are  asked  '*To  which  nationality  do  you 
belong?"  the  answer  will  be  "To  the  nationality  of  humanity. 
I  am  living  under  the  shadow  of  Bah  a  'Ullah.  I  am  the  servant 
of  Baha  'Ullah.  I  belong  to  the  army  of  the  'IMost  Great  Peace'." 
The  people  of  the  future  will  not  say  "I  belong  to  the  nation 
of  England.  France  or  Persia,"  for  all  of  them   will  be  citizens 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  17 

of  a  universal  nationality ;  the  one  family,  the  one  country,  the  one 
world  of  humanity;  and  then  these  wars,  hatreds  and  strifes  will 
pass  away. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  appeared  in  a  country  which  was 
the  center  of  prejudice.  In  that  country'  were  many  different 
communities,  religions,  sects  and  denominations.  All  the  ani- 
mosities of  past  centuries  existed  among  them.  They  were  ready 
to  kill  each  other.  They  considered  the  killing  of  others  who  did 
not  agree  with  them  in  religious  belief,  an  act  of  worship.  His 
Holiness  Baiia  'Ullah  established  such  unity  and  agreement 
between  these  various  communities  that  the  greatest  love  and 
amity  are  now  witnessed  among  them. 

Today  the  Bahais  of  the  east  are  longing  with  deep  desire  to 
see  you  face  to  face.  Their  highest  hope  and  fondest  wish  is  that 
the  day  may  come  when  they  will  be  gathered  together  in  an 
assembly  with  you.  Consider  well  the  power  that  accomplished 
this  wonderful  transformation. 

The  body  of  the  human  world  is  sick.  Its  remedy  and  healing 
will  be  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  humanity.  Its  life  is  the 
"Most  Great  Peace."  Its  illumination  and  quickening  is  love. 
Its  happiness  is  the  attainment  of  spiritual  perfections.  It  is  my 
wish  and  hope  that  in  the  bounties  and  favors  of  the  Blessed  Per- 
fection we  may  find  a  new  life,  acquire  a  new  power  and  attain 
to  a  wonderful  and  supreme  source  of  energy  so  that  the  "Most 
Great  Peace"  of  divine  intention  shall  be  established  upon  the 
foundations  of  the  unity  of  the  world  of  men  with  God.  ]\Iay  the 
love  of  God  be  spread  from  this  city,  from  this  meeting  to  all  the 
surrounding  countries.  Nay,  may  America  become  the  distributing 
center  of  spiritual  enlightenment  and  all  the  world  receive  this 
heavenly  blessing.  For  America  has  developed  powers  and  capa- 
bilities greater  and  more  wonderful  than  other  nations.  While  it 
is  true  that  its  people  have  attained  a  marvelous  material  civiliza- 
tion, I  hope  that  spiritual  forces  may  animate  this  great  body  and 
a  corresponding  spiritual  civilization  be  established.  May  the 
inhabitants  of  this  country  become  like  angels  of  heaven  with  faces 
turned  continually  toward  God.  ]\Iay  all  of  them  become  the 
servants  of  the  omnipotent  One.  INIay  thej'  rise  from  the  perfec- 
tions of  materialism  to  such  a  height  that  heavenly  illumination 
may  stream  from  this  center  to  all  the  people  of  the  world. 

The  divine  Jerusalem  has  come  down  from  heaven.  The  bride 
of  Zion  has  appeared.  The  voice  of  the  kingdom  of  God  has  been 
raised.  May  you  attain  supreme  capacity  and  magnetic  attraction 
in  this  realm  of  might  and  power, — manifesting  new  energy  and 


18       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

wonderful  accomplishment,  for  God  is  your  assister  and  helper. 
The  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  your  comforter  and  the  angels  of 
heaven  sun^ound  you.  I  desire  this  power  for  you.  Rest  assured 
that  these  bounties  now  overshadow  you. 

IX 

April  17,  1912,  at  Hotel  Ansonia,  Broadway  and  73rd  Street, 

New  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

DURING  my  visit  to  London  and  Paris  last  year  I  had  many 
talks  with  the  materialistic  philosophers  of  Europe.  The  basis 
of  all  their  conclusions  is  that  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  of 
phenomena  is  according  to  a  fixed,  invariable  law, — a  law  mathe- 
matically exact  in  its  operation  through  the  senses.  For  instance, 
the  eye  sees  a  chair;  therefore  there  is  no  doubt  of  the  chair's 
existence.  The  eye  looks  up  into  the  heavens  and  beholds  the  sun ; 
I  see  flowers  upon  this  table ;  I  smell  their  fragrance ;  I  hear  sounds 
outside,  etc.,  etc.  This,  they  say,  is  a  fixed  mathematical  law  of 
perception  and  deduction,  the  operation  of  which  admits  of  no 
doubt  whatever;  for  inasmuch  as  the  universe  is  subject  to  our 
sensing,  the  proof  is  self-evident  that  our  knowledge  of  it  must 
be  gained  through  the  avenues  of  the  senses.  That  is  to  say,  the 
materialists  announce  that  the  criterion  and  standard  of  human 
knowledge  is  sense  perception.  Among  the  Greeks  and  Romans 
the  criterion  of  knowledge  was  reason;  that  whatever  is  provable 
and  acceptable  by  reason  must  necessarily  be  admitted  as  true.  A 
third  standard  or  criterion  is  the  opinion  held  by  theologians  that 
traditions  or  prophetic  statement  and  interpretations  constitute  the 
basis  of  human  knowing.  There  is  still  another,  a  fourth  criterion 
upheld  by  religionists  and  metaphysicians  who  say  that  the  source 
and  channel  of  all  human  penetration  into  the  unknown  is  through 
inspiration.  Briefly  then,  these  four  criterions  according  to  the 
declarations  of  men  are:  First— Sense  Perception;  Second — Rea- 
son; Third — Traditions;  Fourth— Inspiration. 

In  Europe  I  told  the  philosophers  and  scientists  of  materialism 
that  the  criterion  of  the  senses  is  not  reliable.  For  instance,  con- 
sider a  mirror  and  the  images  reflected  in  it.  These  images  have 
no  actual  corporeal  existence.  Yet  if  you  had  never  seen  a  mirror 
you  would  firmly  insist  and  believe  that  they  were  real.  The  eye 
sees  a  mirage  upon  the  desert  as  a  lake  of  water  but  there  is  no 
reality  in  it.     As  we  stand  upon  the  deck  of  a  steamer  the  shore 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  19 

appears  to  be  moving,  yet  we  know  the  land  is  stationary  and  we 
are  moving.  The  earth  was  believed  to  be  fixed  and  the  sun  re- 
volving about  it  but  although  this  appears  to  be  so,  the  reverse  is 
now  known  to  be  true.  A  whirling  torch  makes  a  circle  of  fire 
appear  before  the  eye,  yet  we  realize  there  is  but  one  point  of  light. 
We  behold  a  shadow  moving  upon  the  ground  but  it  has  no  ma- 
terial existence,  no  substance.  In  deserts  the  atmospheric  effects 
are  particularly  productive  of  illusions  which  deceive  the  eye.  Once 
I  saw  a  mirage  in  which  a  whole  caravan  appeared  traveling  upward 
into  the  sky.  In  the  far  north  other  deceptive  phenomena  appear 
and  baffle  human  vision.  Sometimes  three  or  four  suns  called 
by  scientists  **mock  suns"  will  be  shining  at  the  same  time  whereas 
we  know  the  great  solar  orb  is  one  and  that  it  remains  fixed  and 
single.  In  brief,  the  senses  are  continually  deceived  and  we  are 
unable  to  separate  that  which  is  reality  from  that  which  is  not. 

As  to  the  second  criterion — reason — this  likewise  is  unreliable 
and  not  to  be  depended  upon.  This  human  world  is  an  ocean  of 
varying  opinions.  If  reason  is  the  perfect  standard  and  criterion 
of  knowledge,  why  are  opinions  at  variance  and  why  do  philoso- 
phers disagree  so  completely  with  each  other  ?  This  is  a  clear  proof 
that  human  reason  is  not  to  be  relied  upon  as  an  infallible  criterion. 
For  instance,  great  discoveries  and  announcements  of  former  cen- 
turies are  continually  upset  and  discarded  by  the  wise  men  of  today. 
Mathematicians,  astronomers,  chemical  scientists  continually  dis- 
prove and  reject  the  conclusions  of  the  ancients;  nothing  is  fixed, 
nothing  final ;  everything  continually  changing  because  human 
reason  is  progressing  along  new  roads  of  investigation  and  arriving 
at  new  conclusions  every  day.  In  the  future  much  that  is  an- 
nounced and  accepted  as  true  now  will  be  rejected  and  disproved. 
And  so  it  will  continue  ad  infinitum. 

When  we  consider  the  third  criterion — traditions — upheld  by 
theologians  as  the  avenue  and  standard  of  knowledge,  we  find  this 
source  equally  unreliable  and  unworthy  of  dependence.  For  re- 
ligious traditions  are  the  report  and  record  of  understanding  and 
interpretation  of  the  Book.  By  what  means  has  this  understanding, 
this  interpretation  been  reached  ?  By  the  analysis  of  human  reason. 
When  we  read  the  Book  of  God  the  faculty  of  comprehension  by 
which  we  form  conclusions  is  reason.  Reason  is  mind.  If  we  are 
not  endowed  with  perfect  reason,  how  can  we  comprehend  the 
meanings  of  the  Word  of  God?  Therefore  human  reason,  as  al- 
ready pointed  out,  is  by  its  very  nature  finite  and  faulty  in  con- 
clusions. It  cannot  surround  the  Reality  Itself,  the  Infinite  Word. 
Inasmuch  as  the  source  of  traditions  and  interpretations  is  human 


20       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

reason,  and  human  reason  is  faulty,  how  can  we  depend  upon  its 
findings  for  real  knowledge? 

The  fourth  criterion  I  have  named  is  inspiration  through  which 
it  is  claimed  the  reality  of  knowledge  is  attainable.  AYhat  is  in- 
spiration? It  is  the  influx  of  the  human  heart.  But  what  are 
Satanic  promptings  which  afflict  mankind?  They  are  the  influx 
of  the  heart  also.  How  shall  we  differentiate  between  them?  The 
question  arises,  How  shall  we  know  whether  we  are  following  in- 
spiration from  God  or  satanic  promptings  of  the  human  soul? 
Briefly,  the  point  is  that  in  the  human  material  world  of  phenom- 
ena these  four  are  the  only  existing  criterions  or  avenues  of  knowl- 
edge, and  all  of  them  are  faulty  and  unreliable.  What  then  re- 
mains? How  shall  we  attain  the  reality  of  knowledge?  By  the 
breaths  and  promptings  of  the  Holy  Spirit  which  is  light  and 
knowledge  Itself.  Through  it  the  human  mind  is  quickened  and 
fortified  into  true  conclusions  and  perfect  knowledge.  This  is 
conclusive  argument  showing  that  all  available  human  criterions 
are  erroneous  and  defective,  but  the  divine  standard  of  knowledge 
is  infallible.  Therefore  man  is  not  justified  in  saying  "I  know 
because  I  perceive  through  my  senses";  or  "I  know  because  it 
is  proved  through  my  faculty  of  reason";  or  "I  know  because  it 
is  according  to  tradition  and  interpretation  of  the  holy  book"; 
or  "I  know  because  I  am  inspired."  All  human  standard  of 
judgment  is  faulty,  finite. 

X 

April  17,  1912,  at  780  ^Yest  End  Avenue,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edumrd  B.  Kiimcu. 

Notes  by  John  G.  Grundy 

IN  the  holy  books  it  is  recorded  that  when  the  Sun  of  Truth  dawns 
it  will  appear  in  the  east  and  its  light  will  be  reflected  in  the 
west.  Already  its  dawning  has  taken  place  in  the  east  and  its 
signs  are  appearing  in  the  west.  Its  illumination  shall  spread 
rapidly  and  widely  in  the  Occident.  The  Sun  of  Truth  has  risen 
in  Persia  and  its  effulgence  is  now  manifest  here  in  America.  This 
is  the  greatest  proof  of  its  appearance  in  the  horizon  of  the  world, 
as  recorded  in  the  heavenly  books.  Praise  be  to  God!  that  which 
is  prophesied  in  the  holy  books  has  been  fulfilled. 

On  Sunday  last  at  Carnegie  Hall  the  revered  soul  who  intro- 
duced Abdul  Baha  gave  voice  to  the  statement  that  according  to 
tradition  demons  would  appear  from  the  land  of  the  sun-rising, 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NE^Y  YORK  21 

but  now  we  find  angels  appearing  instead.  At  the  time  this  state- 
ment was  made  a  reply  was  not  possible  but  today  we  will  speak  of 
it.  The  great  spiritual  lights  have  always  appeared  in  the  east. 
The  Blessed  Perfection  Baiia  'Ullah  appeared  in  the  east.  His 
Holiness  Jesus  Christ  dawned  upon  the  horizon  of  the  east.  IMoses, 
Aaron,  Joseph  and  all  the  Israelitish  prophets  such  as  Jeremiah, 
Ezekiel,  Isaiah  and  others  appeared  from  the  Orient.  The  lights  of 
jNIohammed  and  the  Bab  shone  from  the  east.  The  eastern  horizon 
has  been  flooded  with  the  efit'ulgence  of  these  great  lights  and  only 
from  the  east  have  they  risen  to  shine  upon  the  west.  Now,  Praise 
be  to  God!  you  are  living  in  the  dawn  of  a  cycle  when  the  Sun  of 
Truth  is  again  shining  forth  from  the  east  illumining  all  regions. 
The  world  has  become  a  new  world.  The  darkness  of  night 
which  has  enveloped  humanity  is  passing.  A  new  day  has  dawned. 
Divine  susceptibilities  and  heavenly  capacities  are  developing  in 
human  souls  under  the  training  of  the  Sun  of  Truth.  The  ca- 
pacities of  souls  are  diiferent.  Their  conditions  are  various.  For 
example,  certain  minerals  come  from  the  stony  regions  of  the  earth. 
All  are  minerals ;  all  are  produced  by  the  same  sun,  but  one  remains 
a  stone  while  another  develops  the  capacity  of  a  glittering  gem  or 
jewel.  Ftom  one  plot  of  land  tulips  and  hyacinths  grow;  from 
another,  thorns  and  thistles.  Each  plot  receives  the  bounty  of  the 
sunshine  but  the  capacity  to  receive  it  is  not  the  same.  Therefore 
it  is  requisite  that  we  must  develop  capacity  and  divine  suscepti- 
bility in  order  that  the  merciful  bounty  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  in- 
tended for  this  age  and  time  in  which  we  are  living  may  reflect 
from  us  as  light  from  pure  crystals. 

The  bounties  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  are  infinite.  We  must 
endeavor  to  increase  our  capacity  daily,  to  strengthen  and  enlarge 
our  capabilities  for  receiving  them ;  become  as  perfect  mirrors.  The 
more  polished  and  clean  the  mirror,  the  more  effulgent  is  its  re- 
flection of  the  lights  of  the  Sun  of  Truth.  Be  like  a  well  culti- 
vated garden  wherein  the  roses  and  variegated  flowers  of  heaven 
are  growing  in  fragrance  and  beauty.  It  is  my  hope  that  your 
hearts  may  become  as  ready  ground,  carefully  tilled  and  prepared, 
upon  which  the  divine  showers  of  the  bounties  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection  may  descend  and  the  zephyrs  of  this  divine  springtime 
may  blow  with  quickening  breath.  Then  will  the  garden  of  your 
hearts  bring  forth  its  flowere  of  delightful  fragrance  to  refresh 
the  nostril  of  the  heavenly  gardener.  Let  your  hearts  reflect  the 
glories  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  in  thoi]-  many  colors  to  gladden  the 
eye  of  the  divine  cultivator  who  has  nourished  them.  Day  by 
dav  become  more  closelv  attracted  in  order  that  the  love  of  God 


22       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

may  illumine  all  those  with  whom  you  come  in  contact.  Be  as 
one  spirit,  one  soul,  leaves  of  one  tree,  flowers  of  one  garden,  waves 
of  one  ocean. 

As  difference  in  degree  of  capacity  exists  among  human  souls, 
as  difference  in  capability  is  found,  therefore  individualities  will 
differ  one  from  another.  But  in  reality  this  is  a  reason  for  unity 
and  not  for  discord  and  enmity.  If  the  flowers  of  a  garden  were  all 
of  one  color  the  effect  would  be  monotonous  to  the  eye ;  but  if  the 
colors  are  variegated  it  is  most  pleasing  and  wonderful.  The 
difference  in  adornment  of  color  and  capacity  of  reflection  among 
the  flowers  gives  the  garden  its  beauty  and  charm.  Therefore  al- 
though we  are  of  different  individualities,  different  in  ideas  and 
of  various  fragrances,  let  us  strive  like  flowers  of  the  same  divine 
garden  to  live  together  in  harmony.  Even  though  each  soul  has 
its  own  individual  perfume  and  color,  all  are  reflecting  the  same 
light,  all  contributing  fragrance  to  the  same  breeze  which  blows 
through  the  garden,  all  continuing  to  grow  in  complete  harmony  and 
accord.  Become  as  waves  of  one  sea,  trees  of  one  forest,  growing 
in  the  utmost  love,  agreement  and  unity. 

If  you  attain  to  such  a  capacity  of  love  and  unity  the  Blessed 
Perfection  will  shower  infinite  graces  of  the  spiritual  kingdom 
upon  you,  guide,  protect  and  preserve  you  under  the  shadow  of 
his  Word,  increase  your  happiness  in  this  world  and  uphold  you 
through  all  difficulties.  Therefore  it  is  my  hope  that  day  by  day 
you  will  become  more  and  more  effulgent  in  the  horizon  of  heaven, 
advance  nearer  and  nearer  toward  the  kingdom  of  El-Abha,  attain 
greater  and  greater  bounties  of  the  Blessed  Perfection.  I  am 
joyful  for  I  perceive  the  evidences  of  great  love  among  you.  I  go 
to  Chicago  and  when  I  return  I  hope  that  love  will  have  become 
infinite.  Then  will  it  be  an  eternal  joy  to  me  and  the  friends 
in  the  Orient. 


XI 

April  18,  1912,  at  273  West  90th  Street,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marshall  L.  Emery. 

Notes  by  Miss  Dixon 

TONIGHT  I  wish  to  tell  you  something  of  the  history  of  the 
Bahai  Revelation. 
The  Blessed   Perfection  Baha  'Ullah  belonged  to  the  royal 
family  of  Persia.     From  earliest  childhood  he  was  distinguished 
among   his   relatives   and    friends.      They   said    "This   child    has 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  23 

extraordinary  power."  In  wisdom,  intelligence  and  as  a  source 
of  new  knowledge  he  was  advanced  beyond  his  age  and  superior 
to  his  surroundings.  All  who  knew  him  were  astonished  at  his 
precocity.  It  was  usual  for  them  to  say  "Such  a  child  will  not 
live"  for  it  is  commonly  believed  that  precocious  children  do 
not  reach  maturity.  During  the  period  of  youth  the  Blessed 
Perfection  did  not  enter  school.  He  was  not  willing  to  be  taught. 
This  fact  is  well  established  among  the  Persians  of  Teheran.  Never- 
theless he  was  capable  of  solving  the  difficult  problems  of  all  who 
came  to  him.  In  whatever  meeting,  scientific  assembly  or  theolog- 
ical discussion  he  was  found,  he  became  the  authority  of  explana- 
tion upon  intricate  and  abstruse  questions  presented. 

Until  his  father  passed  away  Baha  'Ullah  did  not  seek  posi- 
tion or  political  station  notwithstanding  his  connection  with  the 
government.  This  occasioned  surprise  and  comment.  It  was  fre- 
quently said  "How  is  it  that  a  young  man  of  such  keen  intelli- 
gence and  subtle  perception  does  not  seek  lucrative  appointments? 
As  a  matter  of  fact  every  position  is  open  to  him."  This  is  a 
historical  statement  fully  attested  by  the  people  of  Persia. 

He  was  most  generous,  giving  abundantly  to  the  poor.  None 
who  came  to  him  were  turned  away.  The  doors  of  his  house  were 
open  to  all.  He  always  had  many  guests.  This  unbounded  gen- 
erosity was  conducive  to  greater  astonishment  from  the  fact  that 
he  sought  neither  position  nor  prominence.  In  commenting  upon 
this  his  friends  said  he  would  become  impoverished,  for  his  expenses 
were  many  and  his  wealth  becoming  more  and  more  limited.  ' '  Why 
is  he  not  thinking  of  his  own  affairs?"  they  inquired  of  each  other; 
but  some  who  were  wise  declared  "This  personage  is  connected 
with  another  world;  he  has  something  sublime  within  him  that  is 
not  evident  now;  the  day  is  coming  when  it  will  be  manifested." 
In  truth  the  Blessed  Perfection  was  a  refuge  for  eveiy  weak  one, 
a  shelter  for  every  fearing  one,  kind  to  every  indigent  one,  lenient 
and  loving  to  all  creatures. 

He  became  well  known  in  regard  to  these  qualities  before  His 
Holiness  the  Bab  appeared.  Then  Baha  'Ullah  declared  the  Bab's 
mission  to  be  true  and  promulgated  his  teachings.  The  Bab 
announced  that  the  greater  manifestation  would  take  place  after 
him  and  called  the  promised  one  "Him  whom  God  would  mani- 
fest," saying  that  nine  years  later  the  reality  of  his  own  mission 
would  become  apparent.  In  his  writings  he  stated  that  in  the 
ninth  year  this  expected  one  would  be  known;  in  the  ninth  year 
they  would  attain  to  all  glory  and  felicity;  in  the  ninth  year 
they  would  advance  rapidly.     Between  Baha  'Ullah  and  the  Bab 


24       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

there  was  eommnnieatioii  privately.  The  Bab  wrote  a  letter  con- 
taining three  hundred  and  sixty  derivatives  of  the  root  "Baha." 
The  Bab  was  martyred  in  Tabriz,  and  Baha  'Ullah  exiled  into 
Irak-Arabi  in  1852,  announced  himself  in  Baghdad.  For  the 
Persian  Government  had  decided  that  as  long  as  he  remained  in 
Persia  the  peace  of  the  country  would  be  disturbed;  therefore  he 
was  exiled  in  the  expectation  that  Persia  would  become  quiet. 
His  banishment  however  produced  the  opposite  effect.  New  tumult 
arose  and  the  mention  of  his  greatness  and  influence  spread  every- 
where throughout  the  country.  The  proclamation  of  his  manifes- 
tation and  mission  was  made  in  Baghdad.  He  called  his  friends 
together  there  and  spoke  to  them  of  God.  Afterward  he  left  the 
city  and  went  alone  into  the  mountains  of  Kurdistan  where  he 
made  his  abode  in  caves  and  grottoes.  A  part  of  this  time  he  lived 
in  the  city  of  Sulimaniyye.  Two  years  passed  during  which 
neither  his  friends  nor  family  knew  just  where  he  was. 

Although  solitary,  secluded  and  unknown  in  his  retirement, 
the  report  spread  throughout  Kurdistan  that  this  was  a  most 
remarkable  and  learned  personage  gifted  with  a  wonderful  power 
of  attraction.  In  a  short  time  Kurdistan  was  magnetized  with 
his  love.  During  this  period  Baha  'Ullah  lived  in  poverty.  His 
garments  were  those  of  the  poor  and  needy  His  food  was  that  of 
the  indigent  and  lowly.  An  atmosphere  of  majesty  haloed  him  as 
the  sun  at  midday.    Everywhere  he  was  greatly  revered  and  beloved. 

After  two  years  he  returned  to  Baghdad.  Friends  he  had 
known  in  Sulimaniyye  came  to  visit  him.  They  found  him  in  his 
accustomed  environment  of  ease  and  affluence  and  were  astonished 
at  the  appointments  of  one  who  had  lived  in  seclusion  under  such 
frugal  conditions  in  Kurdistan. 

The  Persian  government  believed  the  banishment  of  the  Blessed 
Perfection  from  Persia  would  be  the  extermination  of  his  cause 
in  that  country.  These  rulers  now  realized  that  it  spread  more 
rapidly.  His  prestige  increased,  his  teachings  became  more  widely 
circulated.  The  chiefs  of  Persia  then  used  their  influence  to  have 
Baha  'Ullah  exiled  from  Baghdad.  He  was  sununoned  to  Con- 
stantinople by  the  Turkish  authorities.  While  in  Constantinople 
he  ignored  every  restriction,  especially  the  hostility  of  ministers 
of  state  and  clergy.  The  official  representatives  of  Persia  again 
brought  their  influence  to  bear  upon  the  Turkish  authorities  and 
succeeded  in  having  Baha  'Ullah  banished  from  Constantinople 
to  Adrianople,  the  object  being  to  keep  him  as  far  away  as  possible 
>from  Persia  and  render  his  communication  with  that  country  more 
difficult.    Nevertheless  the  cause  still  spread  and  strengthened. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  25 

Filially  they  consulted  together  and  said  "We  have  banished 
Baha  'Ullah  from  place  to  place  but  each  time  he  is  exiled  his 
cause  is  more  widely  extended,  his  proclamation  increases  in  power 
and  day  by  day  his  lamp  is  becoming  brighter.  This  is  due  to  the 
fact  that  we  have  exiled  him  to  large  cities  and  populous  centers. 
Therefore  we  will  send  him  to  a  penal  colony  as  a  prisoner  so  that 
all  may  know  he  is  the  associate  of  murderers,  robbers  and  crimi- 
nals; in  a  short  time  he  and  his  followers  will  perish."  The  sultan 
of  Turkey  then  banished  him  to  the  prison  of  Akka  in  Syria. 

When  Baha  'Ullah  arrived  at  Akka,  through  the  power  of 
God  he  was  able  to  hoist  his  banner.  His  light  at  first  had  been 
a  star;  now  it  became  a  mighty  sun  and  the  illumination  of  his 
cause  expanded  from  the  east  to  the  west.  Inside  prison  walls  he 
wrote  epistles  to  all  the  kings  and  rulers  of  nations  summoning 
them  to  arbitration  and  Universal  Peace.  Some  of  the  kings  re- 
ceived his  words  with  disdain  and  contempt.  One  of  these  was  the 
sultan  of  the  Ottoman  kingdom.  Napoleon  HI  of  France  did  not 
reply.  A  second  epistle  was  addressed  to  him.  It  stated  "I  have 
written  you  an  epistle  before  this,  summoning  you  to  the  cause  of 
God  but  you  are  of  the  heedless.  You  have  proclaimed  that  you 
were  the  defender  of  the  oppressed;  now  it  hath  become  evident 
that  you  are  not.  Nor  are  you  kind  to  your  own  suffering  and 
oppressed  people.  Your  actions  are  contrary  to  your  own  interests 
and  your  kingly  pride  must  fall.  Because  of  your  arrogance  God 
shortly  will  destroy  your  sovereignty.  France  will  flee  away  from 
you  and  you  will  be  overwhelmed  by  a  great  conquest.  There  will 
be  lamentation  and  mourning,  women  bemoaning  the  loss  of  their 
sons."  This  arraignment  of  Napoleon  III  was  published  and 
spread. 

Read  it  and  consider :  One  prisoner,  single  and  solitary,  without 
assistant  or  defender,  a  foreigner  and  stranger  imprisoned  in  the 
fortress  of  Akka  writing  such  letters  to  the  emperor  of  France 
and  sultan  of  Tui'key.  Reflect  upon  this,  how  Baha  'Ullah 
upraised  the  standard  of  his  cause  in  prison.  Refer  to  history. 
It  is  without  parallel.  No  such  thing  has  happened  before  that 
time  nor  since;  a  prisoner  and  an  exile  advancing  his  cause  and 
spreading  his  teachings  broadcast  so  that  eventually  he  became 
powerful  enough  to  conquer  the  very  king  who  banished  him. 

His  cause  spread  more  and  more.  The  Blessed  Perfection  was 
a  prisoner  twenty-five  years.  During  all  this  time  he  was  sub- 
jected to  the  indignities  and  revilement  of  the  people.  He  was 
persecuted,  mocked  and  put  in  chains.  In  Persia  his  properties 
were  pillaged  and  his  possessions  confiscated.     P'irst,  banishment 


26       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

from  Persia  to  Baghdad ;  then  to  Constantinople ;  then  to  Adrian- 
ople ;  finally  from  Roumelia  to  the  prison  fortress  of  Akka. 

During  his  lifetime  he  was  intensely  active.  His  energy  was 
unlimited.  Scarcely  one  night  was  passed  in  restful  sleep.  He 
bore  these  ordeals,  suffered  these  calamities  and  difaculties  in  order 
that  a  manifestation  of  selflessness  and  service  might  become  ap- 
parent in  the  world  of  humanity;  that  the  "Most  Great  Peace" 
should  become  a  reality;  that  human  souls  might  appear  as  the 
angels  of  heaven ;  that  heavenly  miracles  would  be  wrought  among 
men ;  that  human  faith  should  be  strengthened  and  perfected ;  that 
the  precious,  priceless  bestowal  of  God— the  human  mind — might 
be  developed  to  its  fullest  capacity  in  the  temple  of  the  body; 
and  man  become  the  reflection  and  likeness  of  God,  even  as  it 
hath  been  revealed  in  the  bible  "We  shall  create  man  in  our 
own  image." 

Briefly;  the  Blessed  Perfection  bore  all  these  ordeals  and  cal- 
amities in  order  that  our  hearts  might  become  enkindled  and 
radiant,  our  spirits  be  glorified,  our  faults  become  virtues,  our 
ignorance  transformed  into  knowledge;  in  order  that  we  might 
attain  the  real  fruits  of  humanity  and  acquire  heavenly  graces; 
although  pilgrims  upon  earth  we  should  travel  the  road  of  the 
heavenly  kingdom;  although  needy  and  poor  we  might  receive 
the  treasures  of  life  eternal.  For  this  has  he  borne  these  difficulties 
and  sorrows. 

Trust  all  to  God.  The  lights  of  God  are  resplendent.  The 
blessed  epistles  are  spreading.  The  blessed  teachings  are  promul- 
gated throughout  the  east  and  west.  Soon  you  will  see  that  the 
heavenly  words  have  established  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  hu- 
manity. The  banner  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace"  has  been  unfurled 
and  the  "great  community"  is  appearing. 

XII 

April  19,  1912,  at  Earl  Hall,  Columhia  University,  New  York. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

F  we  look  with  a  perceiving  eye  upon  the  world  of  creation,  we 
find  that  all  existing  things  may  be  classified  as  follows :  First — 
Mineral — that  is  to  say  matter  or  substance  appearing  in  various 
forms  of  composition.  Second — Vegetable — possessing  the  virtues 
of  the  mineral  plus  the  power  of  augmentation  or  growth,  indi- 
cating a  degree  higher  and  more  specialized  than  the  mineral.  Third 
— Animal — possessing  the  attributes  of  the  mineral  and  vegetable 


I 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  27 

plus  the  power  of  sense  perception.  Fourth — Human — the  highest 
specialized  organism  of  visible  creation,  embodying  the  qualities  of 
the  mineral,  vegetable  and  animal  plus  an  ideal  endowment  abso- 
lutely minus  and  absent  in  the  lower  kingdoms — the  power  of 
intellectual  investigation  into  the  mysteries  of  outer  phenomena. 
The  outcome  of  this  intellectual  endowment  is  science  which  is 
especially  characteristic  of  man.  This  scientific  power  investigates 
and  apprehends  created  objects  and  the  laws  surrounding  them. 
It  is  the  discoverer  of  the  hidden  and  mysterious  secrets  of  the 
material  universe  and  is  peculiar  to  man  alone.  The  most  noble 
and  praiseworthy  accomplishment  of  man  therefore  is  scientific 
knowledge  and  attainment. 

Science  may  be  likened  to  a  mirror  wherein  the  images  of  the 
mysteries  of  outer  phenomena  are  reflected.  It  brings  forth  and 
exhibits  to  us  in  the  arena  of  knowledge  all  the  product  of  the 
past.  It  links  together  past  and  present.  The  philosophical  con- 
clusions of  bygone  centuries,  the  teachings  of  the  prophets  and 
wisdom  of  former  sages  are  crystallized  and  reproduced  in  the 
scientific  advancement  of  today.  Science  is  the  discoverer  of  the 
past.  From  its  premises  of  past  and  present  we  deduce  conclusions 
as  to  the  future.  Science  is  the  governor  of  nature  and  its  mys- 
teries, the  one  agency  by  which  man  explores  the  institutions  of 
material  creation.  All  created  things  are  captives  of  nature  and 
subject  to  its  laws.  They  cannot  transgress  the  control  of  these 
laAvs  in  one  detail  or  particular.  The  infinite  starry  worlds 
and  heavenly  bodies  are  nature's  obedient  subjects.  The  earth 
and  its  myriad  organisms,  all  minerals,  plants  and  animals  are 
thralls  of  its  dominion.  But  man  through  the  exercise  of  his 
scientific,  intellectual  power  can  rise  out  of  this  condition,  can 
modify,  change  and  control  nature  according  to  his  own  wishes  and 
uses.    Science,  so  to  speak,  is  the  "breaker"  of  the  laws  of  nature. 

Consider,  for  example,  that  man  according  to  natural  law  should 
dwell  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth.  By  overcoming  this  law  and 
restriction  however  he  sails  in  ships  over  the  ocean,  mounts  to  the 
zenith  in  aeroplanes  and  sinks  to  the  depths  of  the  sea  in  sub- 
marines. This  is  against  the  fiat  of  nature  a:nd  a  violation  of  her 
sovereignty  and  dominion.  Nature's  laws  and  methods,  the  hidden 
secrets  and  mysteries  of  the  universe,  human  inventions  and  dis- 
coveries, all  our  scientific  acquisitions  should  naturally  remain 
concealed  and  unknown,  but  man  through  his  intellectual  acumen 
searches  them  out  of  the  plane  of  the  invisible,  draws  them  into 
the  plane  of  the  visible,  exposes  and  explains  them.  For  instance, 
one  of  the  mysteries  of  nature  is  electricity.    According  to  nature 


28       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

this  force,  this  energy  should  remain  latent  and  hidden,  but  man 
scientifically  breaks  through  the  very  laws  of  nature,  arrests  it 
and  even  imprisons  it  for  his  use. 

In  brief,  man  through  the  possession  of  this  ideal  endowment 
of  scientific  investigation  is  the  most  noble  product  of  creation,  the 
governor  of  nature.  He  takes  the  sword  from  nature's  hand  and 
uses  it  upon  nature's  head.  According  to  natural  law,  night  is  a 
period  of  darkness  and  obscurity,  but  man  by  utilizing  the  power 
of  electricity,  by  wielding  this  electric  sword  overcomes  the  dark- 
ness and  dispels  the  gloom.  j\Ian  is  superior  to  nature  and  makes 
nature  do  his  bidding.  Man  is  a  sensitive  being;  nature  is  minus 
sensation.  Man  has  memory  and  reason ;  nature  lacks  them.  Man  is 
nobler  than  nature.  There  are  powers  within  him  of  which  nature 
is  devoid.  It  may  be  claimed  that  these  powers  are  from  nature 
itself  and  that  man  is  a  part  of  nature.  In  answer  to  this  state- 
ment we  will  say  that  if  nature  is  the  whole  and  man  is  a  part  of 
that  whole,  how  could  it  be  possible  for  a  part  to  possess  qualities 
and  virtues  which  are  absent  in  the  whole.  Undoubtedly  the  part 
must  be  endowed  with  the  same  qualities  anjd  properties  as  the 
whole.  For  example,  the  hair  is  a  part  of  the  human  anatomy. 
It  cannot  contain  elements  which  are  not  found  in  other  parts  of 
the  body,  for  in  all  cases  the  component  elements  of  the  body  are 
the  same.  Therefore  it  is  manifest  and  evident  that  man,  although 
in  body  a  part  of  nature,  nevertheless  in  spirit  possesses  a  power 
transcending  nature;  for  if  he  were  simply  a  part  of  nature  and 
limited  to  material  laws  he  could  possess  only  the  things  which 
nature  embodies.  God  has  conferred  upon  and  added  to  man  a 
distinctive  power,  the  faculty  of  intellectual  investigation  into  the 
secrets  of  creation,  the  acquisition  of  higher  knowledge,  the  greatest 
virtue  of  which  is  scientific  enlightenment. 

This  endowment  is  the  most  praiseworthy  power  of  man,  for 
through  its  employment  and  exercise,  the  betterment  of  the  human 
race  is  accomplished,  the  development  of  the  virtues  of  mankind 
is  made  possible  and  the  spirit  and  mysteries  of  God  become  mani- 
fest. Therefore  I  am  greatly  pleased  with  my  visit  to  this  uni- 
versity. Praise  be  to  God!  that  this  country  abounds  in  such 
institutions  of  learning  where  the  knowledge  of  sciences  and  arts 
may  readily  be  acquired. 

As  material  and  physical  sciences  are  taught  here  and  are 
constantly  unfolding  in  wider  vistas  of  attainment,  I  am  hopeful 
that  spiritual  development  may  also  follow  and  keep  pace  with 
these  outer  advantages.  As  material  knowledge  is  illuminating 
those  within  the  walls  of  this  great  temple  of  learning,  so  also  may 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  29 

the  light  of  the  spirit,  the  inner  and  divine  light  of  the  real  philoso- 
phy glorify  this  institution.  The  most  important  principle  of 
divine  philosophy  is  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity,  the 
unity  of  mankind,  the  bond  conjoining  east  and  west,  the  tie  of 
love  which  blends  human  hearts. 

Therefore  it  is  our  duty  to  put  forth  our  greatest  efforts  and 
summon  all  our  energies  in  order  that  the  bonds  of  unity  and 
accord  may  be  established  among  mankind.  For  thousands  of 
years  we  have  had  bloodshed  and  strife.  It  is  enough;  it  is 
sufficient.  Now  is  the  time  to  associate  together  in  love  and  har- 
mony. For  thousands  of  years  we  have  tried  the  sword  and  war- 
fare ;  let  mankind  for  a  time  at  least  live  in  peace.  Review  history 
and  consider  how  much  savagery,  how  much  bloodshed  and  battle 
the  world  has  witnessed.  It  has  been  either  religious  warfare, 
political  warfare  or  some  other  clash  of  human  interests.  The 
world  of  humanity  has  never  enjoyed  the  blessing  of  Universal 
Peace.  Year  by  year  the  implements  of  warfare  have  been  increased 
and  perfected.  Consider  the  Avars  of  past  centuries;  only  ten, 
fifteen  or  twenty  thousand  at  the  most  were  killed  but  now  it  is 
possible  to  kill  one  hundred  thousand  in  a  single  day.  In  ancient 
times  warfare  was  carried  on  with  the  sword ;  today  it  is  the  smoke- 
less gun.  Formerly  battleships  were  sailing  vessels;  today  they 
are  dreadnoughts.  Consider  the  increase  and  improvement  in 
the  weapons  of  war.  God  has  created  us  all  human  and  all 
countries  of  the  world  are  parts  of  the  same  globe.  We  are  all  his 
servants.  He  is  kind  and  just  to  all.  Why  should  we  be  unkind 
and  unjust  to  each  other?  He  provides  for  all.  Why  should  we 
deprive  one  another  ?  He  protects  and  preserves  all.  Why  should 
we  kill  our  fellow-creatures?  If  this  warfare  and  strife  be  for 
the  sake  of  religion,  it  is  evident  that  it  violates  the  spirit  and  basis 
of  all  religion.  All  the  divine  manifestations  have  proclaimed 
the  oneness  of  God  and  the  unity  of  mankind.  They  have  taught 
that  men  should  love  and  mutually  help  each  other  in  order  that 
they  might  progress.  Now  if  this  conception  of  religion  be  true, 
i'ts  essential  principle  is  the  oneness  of  humanity.  The  fundamental 
truth  of  the  manifestations  is  peace.  This  underlies  all  religion, 
all  justice.  The  divine  purpose  is  that  men  should  live  in  unity, 
concord  and  agreement  and  should  love  one  another.  Consider 
the  virtues  of  the  human  world  and  realize  that  the  oneness  of 
humanity  is  the  primary  foundation  of  them  all.  Read  the  gospel 
and  the  other  holy  books.  You  will  find  their  fundamentals  are 
one  and  tlie  same.  Therefore  unity  is  the  essential  trwth  of 
religion  aiul  when  so  understood  embraces  all  the  virtues  of  the 


30       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

human  world.  Praise  be  to  God !  this  knowledge  has  been  spread, 
eyes  have  been  opened  and  ears  have  become  attentive.  Therefore 
we  must  endeavor  to  promulgate  and  practice  the  religion  of  God 
which  has  been  founded  by  all  the  prophets.  And  the  religion 
of  God  is  absolute  love  and  unity. 

XIII 

April  19,  1912,  at  227  Bowery,  New  York. 
Bowery  Mission. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

TONIGHT  I  am  very  happy  for  I  have  come  here  to  meet  my 
friends.     I  consider  you  my  relatives,  my  companions;  and 
I  am  your  comrade. 

You  must  be  thankful  to  God  that  you  are  poor,  for  His  Holi- 
ness Jesus  Christ  has  said  "Blessed  are  the  poor";  he  never  said 
Blessed  are  the  rich.  He  said  too  that  the  kingdom  is  for  the  poor 
and  that  it  is  easier  for  a  camel  to  enter  a  needle's  eye  than  for 
a  rich  man  to  enter  God's  kingdom.  Therefore  you  must  be 
thankful  to  God  that  although  in  this  world  you  are  indigent,  yet 
the  treasures  of  God  are  within  your  reach;  and  although  in  the 
material  realm  you  are  poor,  yet  in  the  kingdom  of  God  you  are 
precious.  His  Holiness  Jesus  himself  was  poor.  He  did  not  belong 
to  the  rich.  He  passed  his  time  in  the  desert  traveling  among 
the  poor,  and  lived  upon  the  herbs  of  the  field.  He  had  no  place 
to  lay  his  head;  no  home.  He  was  exposed  in  the  open  to  heat, 
cold  and  frost ;  to  inclement  weather  of  all  kinds,  yet  he  chose  this 
rather  than  riches.  If  riches  were  considered  a  glory  the  prophet 
Moses  would  have  chosen  them;  Jesus  would  have  been  a  rich 
man.  When  Jesus  Christ  appeared  it  was  the  poor  who  first 
accepted  him,  not  the  rich.  Therefore  you  are  the  disciples  of 
Jesus  Christ;  you  are  his  comrades  for  he  outwardly  was  poor 
not  rich.  Even  this  earth's  happiness  does  not  depend  upon  wealth. 
You  will  find  many  of  the  wealthy  exposed  to  dangers  and  troubled 
by  difficulties,  and  in  their  last  moments  upon  the  bed  of  death 
there  remains  the  regret  that  they  must  be  separated  from  that 
to  which  their  hearts  are  so  attached.  They  come  into  this  world 
naked  and  they  must  go  from  it  naked.  All  they  possess  they  must 
leave  behind  and  pass  away  solitary,  alone.  Often  at  the  time 
of  death  their  souls  are  filled  with  remorse,  and  worst  of  all, 
their  hope  in  the  mercy  of  God  is  less  than  ours.  Praise  be  to 
God!  our  hope  is  in  the  mercy  of  God  and  there  is  no  doubt 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  31 

that  the  divine  compassion  is  bestowed  upon  the  poor.  His  Holi- 
ness Jesus  Christ  said  so;  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  said  so. 
While  Baha  'Ullah  was  in  Baghdad,  still  in  possession  of  great 
wealth,  he  left  all  he  had  and  went  alone  from  the  city,  living 
two  years  among  the  poor.  They  were  his  comrades.  He  ate 
with  them,  slept  with  them  and  gloried  in  being  one  of  them. 
He  chose  for  one  of  his  names  the  title  of  "The  Poor  One," 
and  often  in  his  writings  refers  to  himself  as  "Darweesh"  which 
in  Persian  means  "poor";  and  of  this  title  he  was  very  proud. 
He  admonished  all  that  we  must  be  the  servants  of  the  poor,  helpers 
of  the  poor,  remember  the  sorrows  of  the  poor,  associate  with  them 
for  thereby  we  may  inherit  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  God  has  not 
said  that  there  are  mansions  prepared  for  us  if  we  pass  our  time 
associating  with  the  rich  but  he  has  said  there  are  many  mansions 
prepared  for  the  servants  of  the  poor,  for  the  poor  are  very  dear 
to  God.  The  mercies  and  bounties  of  God  are  with  them.  The 
rich  are  mostly  negligent,  inattentive,  steeped  in  worldliness,  de- 
pending upon  their  means  whereas  the  poor  are  dependent  upon 
God  and  their  reliance  is  upon  him,  not  upon  themselves.  There- 
fore the  poor  are  nearer  the  threshold  of  God  and  his  throne. 

Jesus  was  a  poor  man.  One  night  when  he  was  out  in  the  fields 
the  rain  began  to  fall.  He  had  no  place  to  go  for  shelter  so  he 
lifted  his  eyes  toward  heaven  saying  "0  Father!  for  the  birds 
of  the  air  thou  hast  created  nests,  for  the  sheep  a  fold,  for  the  ani- 
mals dens,  for  the  fishes  places  of  refuge,  but  for  me  thou  hast 
provided  no  shelter ;  there  is  no  place  where  I  may  lay  my  head ; 
my  bed  consists  of  the  cold  ground,  my  lamps  at  night  are  the  stars 
and  my  food  is  the  grass  of  the  field,  yet  who  upon  earth  is  richer 
than  I  ?  For  the  greatest  blessing  thou  hast  not  given  to  the  rich 
and  mighty  but  unto  me  for  thou  hast  given  me  the  poor.  To  me 
thou  hast  granted  this  blessing.  They  are  mine.  Therefore  am  I 
the  richest  man  on  earth." 

So  my  comrades  you  are  following  in  the  footsteps  of  Jesus 
Christ.  Your  lives  are  similar  to  his  life,  your  attitude  is  like  unio 
him,  you  resemble  him  more  than  the  rich.  Therefore  we  will 
thank  God  that  we  have  been  so  blest  with  real  riches.  And  in 
conclusion  I  ask  you  to  accept  Abdul  Baha  as  your  servant. 

At  the  end  of  this  meeting,  Ahdul  Balm  stood  at  the  Bowery 
entrance  to  the  Mission  hall  shaking  hands  u'ith  four  or  five  hun- 
dred men  and  placing  within  each  palm  a  piece  of  silver. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  Washington . 

April  20,  1912,  at  Public  Library  Hall,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Orifnt-Occident-Umti)  Conference. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

TONIGHT  I  am  most  happy  in  presenting  myself  before  an 
audience  such  as  this.  I  am  an  oriental  and  have  come  into 
the  west  to  meet  the  people  of  the  Occident.  Praise  be  to  God! 
upon  the  faces  of  those  assembled  here  I  perceive  the  light  of 
God.  This  I  consider  an  evidence  of  the  possibility  of  uniting 
the  east  and  the  west ;  of  establishing  a  perfect  bond  between  Pe  r- 
sia  and  America,  one  of  the  objects  of  this  conference.  For  the 
Persians  there  is  no  government  better  fitted  to  contribute  to  the 
development  of  their  natural  resources  and  the  helping  of  their 
national  needs  in  a  reciprocal  alliance  than  the  United  States  of 
America ;  and  for  the  Americans  there  could  be  no  better  indus- 
trial outlet  and  market  than  the  virgin  commercial  soil  of  Persia. 
The  mineral  wealth  of  Persia  is  still  latent  and  untouched.  It  is 
my  hope  that  the  great  American  democracy  may  be  instrumental 
in  developing  these  hidden  resources  and  that  a  bond  of  perfect 
amity  and  unity  may  be  established  between  the  American  republic 
and  the  government  of  Persia.  INIay  this  bond  whether  material  or 
spiritual  be  well  cemented.  ]\Iay  the  material  civilization  of 
America  find  complete  efficacy  and  establishment  in  Persia,  and 
the  spiritual  civilization  of  Persia  find  acceptance  and  response 
in  America. 

Some  of  the  creatures  of  existence  can  live  solitary  and  alone. 
A  tree  for  instance  ma}'  live  without  assistance  and  cooperation  of 
other  trees.  Some  animals  are  isolated  and  lead  a  separate  exist- 
ence away  from  their  kind.  But  this  is  impossible  for  man.  In 
his  life  and  being  cooperation  and  association  are  essential.  Through 
association  and  meeting  we  find  happiness  and  development,  indi- 
vidual and  collective. 

For  instance,  when  there  is  intercourse  and  cooperation  between 
two  villages  the  advancement'  of  each  will  be  assured.  Likewise 
if  intercommunication  is  established  between  two  cities  both  will 
benefit  and  progress.  And  if  a  reciprocal  basis  of  agreement  b?, 
reached  between  two  countries  their  individual  and  mutual  inter- 
ests will  find  great  development.     Therefore  in  the  unity  of  this 

32 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN   WASHINGTON         33 

radiant  assemblage  I  behold  the  link  between  Orient  and  Occident. 
Such  unity  is  tlie  means  and  instrument  of  cooperation  between 
the  various  countries  of  the  east  and  west.  It  is  evident  then  that 
the  outcomes  from  this  basis  of  agreement  and  accord  are  number- 
less and  unlimited.  Surely  there  will  be  great  hai-vests  of  results 
forthcoming  for  Persia  and  America.  In  Persia  advanced  material 
civilization  will  be  established  and  the  doors  thrown  open  wide  to 
American  commerce. 

Above  and  beyond  all  this,  a  great  love  and  fountain  of  affec- 
tion shall  bind  and  blend  these  two  remote  peoples ;  for  His  Holi- 
ness Baha  'Ullah  has  proclaimed  to  the  world  the  solidarity  of 
nations  and  the  oneness  of  humanity.  Addressing  all  mankind 
he  has  said  "Ye  are  all  leaves  of  one  tree  and  the  drops  of  one 
sea."  The  world  of  humanity  has  been  expressed  by  him  as  a 
unit, — as  one  family.  It  is  therefore  hoped  that  the  American  and 
Persian  nations  may  be  conjoined  and  united  in  reciprocal  love, 
^lay  they  become  one  race  endowed  with  the  same  susceptibilities. 
May  these  bonds  of  amity  and  accord  be  finnly  established. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  passed  forty  years  of  his  life  in 
prison  and  exile  in  order  that  he  might  upraise  the  banner  of  the 
oneness  of  the  world  of  men.  For  this  he  bore  all  these  ordeals 
and  difficulties.  He  was  under  the  dominion  of  Abdul  Hamid. 
I  too  was  in  the  prison  of  Abdul  Hamid  until  the  Committee  of 
Union  and  Progress  hoisted  the  standard  of  liberty  and  my  fettei-s 
were  removed.  They  exhibited  great  kindness  and  love  toward  me. 
I  was  made  free  and  thereby  enabled  to  come  to  this  countiy. 
Were  it  not  for  the  action  of  this  Committee  I  should  not  be  with 
you  here  tonight.  Therefore  you  must  all  ask  assistance  and  con- 
firmation in  behalf  of  this  Committee  through  which  the  liberty  of 
Turkey  was  proclaimed. 

Briefly ;  I  have  traveled  this  long  distance,  crossed  the  Atlantic 
Ocean  to  this  western  continent  in  the  desire  and  hope  that  the 
strongest  bond  of  unity  may  be  established  between  America  and 
Persia.  I  know  this  to  be  your  wish  and  pui-pose  also  and  am  sure 
of  your  cooperation.  We  shall  therefore  otit'er  supplication  in  the 
divine  threshold  that  a  great  love  may  take  possession  of  the  hearts 
of  men  and  unite  the  nations  of  the  world.  We  will  pray  that  the 
ensign  of  intei-national  peace  may  be  uplifted  and  that  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity  may  be  realized  and  accomplished.  All 
this  is  made  possible  and  practicable  through  your  efforts.  May 
this  American  democracy  be  the  first  nation  to  establish  the  foun- 


34       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

dation  of  international  agreement.  May  it  be  the  first  nation  to 
proclaim  the  universality  of  mankind.  May  it  be  the  first  to  up- 
raise the  standard  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace,"  and  through  this 
nation  of  democracy  may  these  philanthropic  intentions  and  insti- 
tutions be  spread  broadcast  throughout  the  world.  Truly  this  is  a 
great  and  revered  nation.  Here  liberty  has  reached  its  highest 
degree.  The  intentions  of  its  people  are  most  praiseworthy.  They 
are  indeed  worthy  of  being  the  first  people  to  build  the  tabernacle 
of  the  great  peace  and  proclaim  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  hu- 
manity. I  will  supplicate  God  for  assistance  and  confirmation  in 
your  behalf, 

II 

April  21,1912,  at  1219  Connecticut  Avenue,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Studio  Hall. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

I  HAVE  come  here  to  visit  you.  With  the  greatest  longing  I 
have  wished  to  see  you.  Realizing  it  was  only  with  great  diffi- 
culty that  you  could  come  to  me  and  that  very  few  could  make 
the  trip,  I  decided  to  come  to  you  so  that  all  might  have  the  pleasure 
of  meeting.  Praise  be  to  God !  I  am  here  and  I  am  looking  into 
your  faces ;  faces  radiant  with  inner  beauty ;  hearts  attracted  to  the 
kingdom  of  Abha;  spirits  exhilarated  through  the  glad  tidings  of 
God.  Therefore  I  have  experienced  the  greatest  possible  hap- 
piness. And  surely  this  happiness  must  be  mutual,  for  the  hearts 
are  connected  with  each  other  and  are  filled  with  the  same  vibra- 
tion. The  flame  and  the  light  of  love  are  reflected  in  all.  Spiritual 
susceptibilities  and  heart-longings  fill  every  heart.  If  we  should 
offer  a  hundred  thousand  thanksgivings  every  moment  to  the 
threshold  of  God  for  this  love  which  has  blended  the  Orient  and 
Occident  we  shall  fail  to  express  our  gratitude  sufficiently.  If  all 
the  powers  of  earth  should  seek  to  bring  about  this  love  between 
east  and  west  they  would  prove  incapable.  If  they  wished  to 
establish  this  unity  it  would  prove  impossible.  But  His  Holiness 
Baha  'Ullah  has  accomplished  both  through  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  this  bond  of  unity  through  love  is  indissoluble. 
It  shall  continue  unto  time  everlasting ;  and  day  by  day  its  power 
shall  increase.  Ere  long  it  shall  enchain  the  world  and  eventually 
the  hearts  of  all  the  nations  of  the  world  will  be  brought  together 
by  its  constraining  clasp.     The  w^orld  of  humanity  shall  become 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         35 

the  manifestation  of  the  lights  of  divinity,  and  the  bestowals  of 
God  shall  surround  all.  From  the  standpoints  of  both  material  and 
spiritual  civilization  extraordinary  progress  and  development  will 
be  witnessed.  In  this  present  cycle  there  will  be  an  evolution  in 
civilization  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  the  world.  The  world 
of  humanity  has  heretofore  been  in  the  stage  of  infancy ;  now  it  is 
approaching  maturity.  Just  as  the  individual  human  organism 
having  attained  the  period  of  maturity  reaches  its  fullest  degree 
of  physical  strength  and  ripened  intellectual  faculties,  so  that  in 
one  year  of  this  ripened  period  there  is  witnessed  an  unprecedented 
measure  of  development,  likewise  the  world  of  humanity  in  this 
cycle  of  its  completeness  and  consummation  will  realize  an  im- 
measurable upward  progress;  and  that  power  of  accomplishment 
whereof  each  individual  human  reality  is  the  depository  of  God, — 
that  outworking  universal  spirit, — ^like  the  intellectual  faculty,  will 
reveal  itself  in  infinite  degrees  of  perfection. 

Therefore  thank  ye  God  that  ye  have  come  into  the  plane  of 
existence  in  this  radiant  century  wherein  the  bestowals  of  God  are 
appearing  from  all  directions,  when  the  doors  of  the  kingdom  have 
been  opened  unto  you,  the  call  of  God  is  being  raised  and  the  vir- 
tues of  the  human  world  are  in  the  process  of  unfoldment.  The  day 
has  come  when  all  darkness  is  to  be  dispelled  and  the  Sun  of  Truth 
shall  shine  forth  radiantly.  This  time  of  the  world  may  be  likened 
to  the  equinoctial  in  the  annual  cycle.  For  verily  this  is  the  spring- 
season  of  God.  In  the  holy  books  a  promise  is  given  that  the  spring- 
time of  God  shall  make  itself  manifest,  Jerusalem  the  holy  city  shall 
descend  from  heaven,  Zion  shall  leap  forth  and  dance  and  the  Holy 
Land  be  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  divine  effulgence. 

At  the  time  of  the  vernal  equinox  in  the  material  world  a  won- 
derful vibrant  energy  and  new  life-quickening  is  observed  every- 
where in  the  vegetable  kingdom ;  the  animal  and  human  kingdoms 
are  resuscitated  and  move  forward  with  a  new  impulse.  The  whole 
world  is  born  anew,  resurrected.  Gentle  zephyrs  are  set  in  motion, 
wafting  and  fragrant ;  flowers  bloom,  the  trees  are  in  blossom,  the 
air  temperate  and  delightful ;  how  pleasant  and  beautiful  become 
the  mountains,  fields  and  meadows.  Likewise  the  spiritual  bounty 
and  springtime  of  God  quicken  the  world  of  humanity  with  a  new 
animus  and  vivification.  All  the  virtues  which  liave  been  deposited 
and  potential  in  human  hearts  are  being  revealed  from  that  Reality 
as  flowers  and  blossoms  from  divine  gardens.  It  is  a  day  of  joy, 
a  time  of  happiness,  a  period  of  spiritual  growth.  I  beg  of  God 
that  this  divine  spiritual  civilization  may  have  the  fullest  impres- 
sion and  effect  upon  you.     May  you  become  as  growing  plants. 


36       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

May  the  trees  of  your  hearts  bring  forth  new  leaves  and  variegated 
blossoms.  May  ideal  fruits  appear  from  them  in  order  that  the 
world  of  humanity  which  has  grown  and  developed  in  material 
civilization  may  be  quickened  in  the  bringing  forth  of  spiritual 
ideals.  Just  as  human  intellects  have  revealed  the  secrets  of  matter 
and  have  brought  forth  from  the  realm  of  the  invisible  the  mys- 
teries of  nature,  may  minds  and  spirits  likewise  come  into  the 
knowledge  of  the  verities  of  God,  and  the  realities  of  the  kingdom 
be  made  manifest  in  human  hearts.  Then  the  world  will  be  the 
paradise  of  Abha,  the  standard  of  the  "IMost  Great  Peace"  will  be 
borne  aloft  and  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  in  all  its 
beauty,  glory  and  significance  become  apparent.  And  now  in  your 
presence  I  wish  to  pray  in  your  behalf.  Let  your  hearts  be  at- 
tentive and  directed  to  the  kingdom  of  Abha. 

Prayer  in  Persian 
It  is  my  hope  the  supplication  I  have  ofl'ered  to  the  kingdom  of 
Abha  in  your  behalf  may  soon  be  answered  and  that  its  results  and 
effects  may  become  manifest  in  your  hearts  and  lives. 


Ill 

April  21,  1912,  at  Universalist  Church,  13th  and  L  Streets, 

Washington,  D.  C. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

THE  doctrines  and  creed  of  this  church    so  capably  expressed 
by  its  revered  minister  are  truly  commendable,  sanctified  and 
worthy  of  praise  and  glorification,  for  these  precepts  are  opposed 
to  the  deep-rooted  religious  prejudices  of  the  day.     It  is  evident 
that  prejudices  arising  from  adherence  to  religious  forms  and  imi- 
tation of  ancestral  beliefs  have  hindered  the  progress  of  humanity 
thousands  of  years.    How  many  wars  and  battles  have  been  fought, 
how  much  division,  discord  and  hatred  have  been  caused  by  this 
form  of  prejudice!    But  inasmuch  as  this  century  is  a  centuiy  of 
the  revelation  of  reality,  Praise  be  to  God!  the  thoughts  of  men 
are  being  directed   toward  the  welfare  and  unity   of  humanity. 
Daily  the  mirage  of  imitations  is  passing  away    and  the  ocean  of 
truth  is  surging  more  tumultuously.     All  the  existing  nations  had 
a  divine  foundation  of  truth  or  reality  originally    which  was  in- 
tended to  be  conducive  to  the  unity  and  accord  of  mankind,  but 
the  light  of  that  reality  gradually  became  obscured.    The  darkness 
of  superstitions  and  imitations  came  and  took  its  place,  binding  the 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON  37 

world  of  huiiianily  in  the  chains  and  fetters  of  ignorance.  Enmity 
arose  among  men,  increasing  to  such  an  extent  that  nation  strove 
against  nation  in  hatred  and  violence.  AVar  has  been  a  religious 
and  political  human  heritage. 

Now  it  is  enough !  We  must  investigate  reality.  We  must  put 
away  these  superstitions.  It  is  a  self  evident  truth  that  all  hu- 
manity is  the  creation  of  God.  All  are  his  sei-\'ants  and  under  his 
protection.  All  are  recipients  of  his  bestowals.  God  is  kind  to 
all  his  servants.  At  most  it  is  this,  that  some  are  ignorant;  they 
must  be  educated  in  order  that  they  may  become  intelligent.  Some 
are  immature  as  children;  they  must  be  aided  and  assisted  in 
order  that  they  may  become  mature.  Some  are  sick  and  ailing; 
they  must  be  healed.  But  the  sult'ering  patient  must  not  be  tested 
by  false  treatment.  The  child  must  not  be  warped  and  hindered 
in  its  development.  The  ignorant  must  not  be  restricted  by  censure 
and  criticism.    We  must  look  for  the  real,  time  remedy. 

All  the  prophets  of  God,  including  Jesus  Christ,  appeared  in  the 
world  for  the  education  of  humanity,  to  develop  immature  souls 
into  maturity,  to  transform  the  ignorant  of  mankind  into  the  know- 
ing, thereby  establishing  love  and  unity  through  divine  education 
and  training.  The  prophets  have  not  come  to  cause  discord  and 
enmity.  For  God  has  wished  all  good  for  his  servants,  and  he  who 
wishes  the  servants  of  God  evil  is  against  God;  he  has  not  obeyed 
the  will  and  emulated  the  example  of  God ;  he  has  followed  satanic 
leadings  and  foot-prints.  The  attributes  of  God  are  love  and 
mercy ;  the  attribute  of  satan  is  hate.  Therefore  he  who  is  merci- 
ful and  kind  to  his  fellowmcn  is  manifesting  the  divine  attribute, 
and  he  who  is  hating  and  hostile  toward  a  fellow-creature  is 
Satanic.  God  is  absolute  love  even  as  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ 
has  declared,  and  satan  is  utter  hatred.  Wherever  love  is  wit- 
nessed, know  there  is  a  manifestation  of  God's  mercy;  whenever 
you  meet  hatred  and  enmity,  know^  that  these  are  the  evidences 
and  attributes  of  satan.  The  prophets  have  appeared  in  this  world 
with  the  mission  that  human  souls  may  become  the  expressions  of 
the  Merciful,  that  they  may  be  educated  and  developed,  attain  to 
love  and  amity,  and  establish  peace  and  agreement. 

In  the  world  of  existence  the  animal  is  a  captive  of  nature. 
Its  actions  are  according  to  the  exigencies  and  requirements  of  na- 
ture. It  has  no  consideration  or  consciousness  of  good  and  evil.  It 
simply  follows  its  natural  instinct  and  inclination.  The  prophets 
of  (iod  have  come  to  show  man  the  way  of  righteousness  in  order 
that  he  may  not  follow  his  own  natural  impulse,  but  govern  his 


38       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

actions  by  the  light  of  their  precept  and  example.  According  to 
their  teachings  he  should  do  that  which  is  found  to  be  praiseworthy 
by  the  standard  of  reason  and  judgment  of  intellect,  even  though 
it  be  opposed  to  his  natural  human  inclination;  and  he  should 
not  do  that  which  is  found  to  be  unworthy  by  that  same  standard, 
even  though  it  be  in  the  direction  of  his  natural  impulse  and  desire. 
Therefore  man  must  follow  and  manifest  the  attributes  of  the 
Merciful. 

The  imperfect  members  of  society,  the  weak  souls  in  humanity 
follow  their  natural  trend.  Their  lives  and  actions  are  in  accord 
with  their  natural  propensities;  they  are  captives  of  physical  sus- 
ceptibilities; they  are  not  in  touch  or  in  tune  with  the  spiritual 
bounties.  Man  has  two  aspects — the  physical  which  is  subject  to 
nature,  and  the  merciful  or  divine  which  is  connected  with  God. 
If  the  physical  or  natural  disposition  in  him  should  overcome  the 
heavenly  and  merciful  he  is  then  the  most  degraded  of  animal  be- 
ings; and  if  the  divine  and  spiritual  should  triumph  over  the 
human  and  natural  he  is  verily  an  angel.  The  prophets  come  into 
the  world  to  guide  and  educate  humanity  so  that  the  animal  nature 
of  man  may  disappear  and  the  divinity  of  his  powers  become  awak- 
ened. The  divine  aspect  or  spiritual  nature  consists  of  the  breaths 
of  the  Holy  Spirit.  The  second  birth  of  which  Jesus  has  spoken 
refers  to  the  appearance  of  this  heavenly  nature  in  man.  It  is 
expressed  in  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  he  who  is  baptized 
by  the  Holy  Spirit  is  a  veritable  manifestation  of  divine  mercy  to 
mankind.  Then  he  becomes  just  and  kind  to  all  humanity ;  he  enter- 
tains prejudice  and  ill-will  toward  none;  he  shuns  no  nation  or 
people. 

The  foundations  of  the  divine  religions  are  one.  If  we  investi- 
gate these  foundations  we  discover  much  ground  for  agreement, 
but  if  we  consider  the  imitations  of  forms  and  ancestral  beliefs  we 
find  points  of  disagreement  and  division,  for  these  imitations  differ 
while  the  sources  and  foundations  are  one  and  the  same.  That  is 
to  say,  the  fundamentals  are  conducive  to  unity,  but  imitations  are 
the  cause  of  disunion  and  dismemberment.  AVhosoever  is  lacking 
in  love  for  humanity  or  manifests  hatred  and  bigotry  toward  any 
part  of  it,  violates  the  foundation  and  source  of  his  own  belief  and 
is  holding  to  forms  and  imitations.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  de- 
clares that  the  sun  rises  upon  the  evil  and  the  good,  and  the  rain 
descends  upon  the  just  and  the  unjust, — upon  all  humanity  alike. 
His  Holiness  was  a  divine  mercy  which  shone  upon  all  mankind, 
the  medium  for  the  descent  of  the  bounty  of  God ;  and  the  bounty 
of  God  is  transcendent,  unrestricted,  universal. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         39 

The  revered  minister  read  from  the  words  of  the  gospel  "I  have 
yet  many  things  to  say  unto  you,  but  ye  cannot  bear  them  now. 
Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth  is  come,  he  shall  guide  you 
into  all  the  truth."  The  century  has  dawned  when  the  Spirit  of 
truth  can  reveal  these  verities  to  mankind,  proclaim  that  very 
Word,  establish  the  real  foundations  of  Christianity  and  deliver 
the  nations  and  peoples  from  the  bondage  of  fonns  and  imitations. 
The  cause  of  discord,  prejudice  and  animosity  will  be  removed,  the 
basis  of  love  and  amity  be  established.  Therefore  all  of  you  must 
strive  with  heart  and  soul  in  order  that  enmity  may  disappear  en- 
tirely and  that  strife  and  hatred  pass  away  absolutely  from  the 
midst  of  the  human  world.  You  must  listen  to  the  admonition  of 
this  Spirit  of  truth.  You  must  follow  the  example  and  foot-prints 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Read  the  gospels.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ 
was  mercy  itself ;  was  love  itself.  He  even  prayed  in  behalf  of  his 
executioners, — for  those  who  crucified  him,  saying  "Father  forgive 
them ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do."  If  they  knew  what  they 
were  doing  they  would  not  have  done  it.  Consider  how  kind 
Jesus  Christ  was,  that  even  upon  the  cross  he  prayed  for  his  op- 
pressors. We  must  follow  his  example.  We  must  emulate  the 
prophets  of  God.  We  must  follow  Jesus  Christ.  We  must  free 
ourselves  from  all  these  imitations  which  are  the  source  of  darkness 
in  the  world. 

I  shall  ask  you  a  question :  Did  God  create  us  for  love  or  for 
enmity?  Did  he  create  us  for  peace  or  discord?  Surely  he  has 
created  us  for  love;  therefore  we  should  live  in  accordance  with 
his  will.  Do  not  listen  to  anything  that  is  prejudiced,  for  self- 
interest  prompts  men  to  be  prejudiced.  They  are  thoughtful  only  of 
their  own  will  and  purposes.  They  live  and  move  in  darkness. 
Consider  how  many  different  nations  and  divergent  religious  be- 
liefs existed  when  His  Holiness  Christ  appeared.  Enmity  and 
strife  prevailed  among  them, — Romans,  Greeks,  Assyrians,  Egyp- 
tians,— all  warring  and  hostile  toward  each  other.  His  Holiness, 
through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  united  them,  established 
fellowship  among  them  so  that  no  trace  of  strife  remained.  Under 
his  standard  they  became  united  and  lived  in  peace  through  his 
teachings.  Which  is  preferable  and  more  commendable?  To  fol- 
low the  example  of  Jesus  Christ  or  to  manifest  the  satanic  instinct? 
Let  us  strive  with  all  our  powers  to  unite  the  east  and  west  so  that 
the  nations  of  the  world  may  be  advanced  and  that  all  may  live 
according  to  the  one  foundation  of  the  religions  of  God.  The  essen- 
tials of  the  divine  religion  are  one  reality,  indivisible  and  not 


•40       THE  PHOMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

multiple.  It  is  one.  And  when  through  investigation  we  find  it 
to  be  single  we  have  a  basis  for  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  hu- 
manity. I  will  pray  for  you,  asking  confirmation  and  assistance  in 
your  behalf. 


IV 

April  22,  1912,  at  1700  ISth  Street,  N.  W.  ^Vashington,  D.  C. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

SEE  how  good  Baha  'Ullah  is  to  us;  how  great  the  power  of 
his  Word!  From  what  distant  parts  of  the  world  he  has 
brought  us  together  in  this  house  and  caused  us  to  meet  at  this 
heavenly  table;  for  love  has  prepared  a  feast  and  bidden  Abdul 
Baha  to  let  this  entertainment  be  in  his  name.  What  a  union  of 
hearts  and  what  a  confirmation  of  Baha  'Ullah  between  east  and 
west  has  been  established!  How  his  bounty  has  embraced  all! 
How  his  favors  have  been  perfected  for  all! 

When  the  IMohammedans  conquered  Persia,  the  chief  of  the 
Zoroastrian  high-priests  went  to  drink  wine.  According  to  the 
Mohammedan  law  wine  is  forbidden  and  he  who  drinks  it  must  be 
punished  by  eighty-one  strokes  of  the  whip.  Therefore  the  jMos- 
lems  arrested  the  high-priest  and  whipped  him.  At  that  time  the 
Arabs  were  considered  very  low  and  degraded  by  the  Persians, 
scarcely  to  be  accounted  as  human  beings.  As  Mohammed  was  an 
Arab  the  Persians  looked  upon  him  with  disdain;  but  when  the 
high-priest  saw  the  evidences  of  a  power  in  INIohammed  which  con- 
trolled these  despised  people,  he  cried  out  "0  thou  Arabian  Mo- 
hammed, what  hast  thou  done?  What  hast  thou  done  which  has 
made  thy  people  arrest  the  chief  high-priest  of  the  Zoroastrians  for 
committing  something  unlawful  in  thy  religion?"  By  this  circum- 
stance the  prejudice  which  caused  the  Zoroastrian  to  shun  the  IMo- 
hammedan  had  been  overcome;  for  he  recognized  in  what  had  hap- 
pened to  him  the  great  influence  Mohammed  exercised  over  these 
people. 

Today  in  this  meeting  we  have  an  evidence  of  how  Baha 'Ullah 
through  the  power  of  the  love  of  God  has  exercised  a  wonderful 
spiritual  influence  throughout  the  world.  From  the  remotest  parts 
of  Persia  and  the  Orient  he  has  caused  men  to  come  to  this  ta])le 
to  meet  with  the  people  of  the  west  in  the  utmost  love  and  affection, 
union  and  harmony.     Behold  hoAv  the  power  of  Baha  'Ullah  has 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         41 

brought  the  east  and  west  together.  And  Abdul  Baha  is  standing, 
serving  you.  There  is  neither  rod  nor  blow,  whip  nor  sword ;  but 
the  power  of  the  love  of  God  has  accomplislied  this. 

In  this  world  we  judge  a  cause  or  movement  by  its  progress 
and  development.  Some  movements  appear,  manifest  a  brief  period 
of  activity,  then  discontinue.  Others  show  forth  a  greater  measure 
of  growth  and  strength,  but  before  attaining  matiiie  development, 
weaken,  disintegrate  and  are  lost  in  oblivion.  Neither  of  these 
mentioned  are  progressive  and  permanent. 

There  is  still  another  kind  of  movement  or  cause  which  from  a 
very  small,  inconspicuous  beginning  goes  forward  with  sure  and 
steady  progress,  gradually  broadening  and  widening  until  it  has 
assumed  universal  dimensions.  The  Bahai  movement  is  of  this 
nature.  For  instance,  when  Baha  'Ullah  was  exiled  from  Persia 
with  Abdul  Baha  and  the  rest  of  his  family,  they  traveled  the  long 
road  from  Teheran  to  Baghdad,  passing  through  many  towns  and 
villages.  During  the  whole  of  that  .journey  and  distance  they  did 
not  meet  a  single  believer  in  the  cause  for  which  they  had  been 
banished.  At  that  time  very  little  was  known  about  it  in  any  part 
of  the  world.  Even  in  Baghdad  there  was  but  one  believer  who 
had  been  taught  by  Baha  'Ullah  himself  in  Persia.  Later  on  two 
or  three  others  appeared.  You  will  see  therefore  that  at  the  be- 
ginning, the  cause  of  Baha  'Ullah  was  almost  unknown,  but  on 
account  of  being  a  divine  movement  it  grew  and  developed  with 
irresistible  spiritual  power  until  in  this  day  wherever  you  travel 
east  or  west  and  in  whatever  country  you  journey  you  will  meet 
Bahai  assemblies  and  institutions.  This  is  an  evidence  that  the 
Bahais  are  spreading  the  blessings  of  unity  and  progressive  de- 
velopment throughout  the  world  under  the  direction  of  divine 
guidance  and  purpose,  while  other  movements  which  are  only  tem- 
porary in  their  activities  and  accomplishments  have  no  real,  uni- 
versal significance. 


April  23,  1912,  at  Howard  University,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Haniien 

'T^ODAY  I  am  most  happy,  for  I  see  here  a  gathering  of  the 
J-  servants  of  God.  I  see  the  white  and  colored  people  together. 
In  the  estimation  of  God  there  is  no  distinction  of  color ;  all  are  one 
in  the  color  and  beauty  of  servitude  to  him.  Color  is  not  important ; 
the  heart  is  all-important.     It  matters  not  what  the  exterior  may 


42       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

be  if  the  heart  be  pure  and  white  within.  God  does  not  behold 
ditferenees  of  hue  and  complexion;  he  looks  at  the  hearts.  He 
whose  morals  and  virtues  are  praiseworthy  is  preferred  in  the 
presence  of  God ;  he  who  is  devoted  to  the  kingdom  is  most  beloved. 
In  the  realm  of  genesis  and  creation  the  question  of  color  is  of 
least  importance. 

The  mineral  kingdom  abounds  with  many-colored  substances 
and  compositions  but  we  find  no  strife  among  them  on  that  account. 
In  the  kingdom  of  the  plant  and  vegetable,  distinct  and  variegated 
hues  exist  but  the  fniit  and  flowers  are  not  in  conflict  for  that 
reason.  Nay,  rather,  the  very  fact  that  there  is  difference  and 
variety  lends  a  charm  to  the  garden.  If  all  were  of  the  same  color 
the  effect  would  be  monotonous  and  depressing.  When  you  enter  a 
rose-garden  the  wealth  of  color  and  variety  of  floral  forms  spread 
before  you  a  picture  of  wonder  and  beauty.  The  world  of  hu- 
manity is  like  a  garden  and  the  various  races  are  the  flowers  which 
constitute  its  adornment  and  decoration.  In  the  animal  kingdom 
also  we  find  variety  of  color.  See  how  the  doves  differ  in  beauty 
yet  they  live  together  in  perfect  peace,  and  love  each  other.  They 
do  not  make  difference  of  color  a  cause  of  discord  and  strife.  They 
view  each  other  as  the  same  species  and  kind.  They  know  they 
are  one  in  kind.  Often  a  white  dove  soars  aloft  with  a  black  one. 
Throughout  the  animal  kingdom  we  do  not  find  the  creatures  separ- 
ated because  of  color.  They  recognize  unity  of  species  and  one- 
ness of  kind.  If  we  do  not  find  color  distinction  drawn  in  a  king- 
dom of  lower  intelligence  and  reason,  how  can  it  be  justified  among 
human  beings,  especially  when  we  know  that  all  have  come  from 
the  same  source  and  belong  to  the  same  household?  In  origin  and 
intention  of  creation  mankind  is  one.  Distinctions  of  race  and 
color  have  arisen  afterward. 

Therefore  today  I  am  exceedingly  glad  that  both  white  and  col- 
ored people  have  gathered  here  and  I  hope  the  time  will  come 
when  they  shall  live  together  in  the  utmost  peace,  unity  and  friend- 
ship. I  wish  to  say  one  thing  of  importance  to  both  in  order  that 
the  white  race  may  be  just  and  kind  to  the  colored  and  that  the 
colored  race  may  in  turn  be  grateful  and  appreciative  toward  the 
white.  The  great  proclamation  of  liberty  and  emancipation  from 
slavery  was  made  upon  this  continent.  A  long  bloody  war  was 
fought  by  white  men  for  the  sake  of  colored  people.  These  white 
men  forfeited  their  possessions  and  sacrificed  their  lives  by  thou- 
sands in  order  that  colored  men  might  be  freed  from  bondage.  The 
colored  population  of  the  United  States  of  America  are  possibly  not 
fully  informed  of  the  wide-reaching  effect  of  this  freedom  and 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         43 

emancipation  upon  their  colored  brethren  in  Asia  and  Africa 
where  even  more  terrible  conditions  of  slavery  existed.  Influenced 
and  impelled  by  the  example  of  the  United  States,  the  European 
powers  proclaimed  universal  liberty  to  the  colored  race  and  slavery 
ceased  to  exist.  This  effort  and  accomplishment  by  the  white  na- 
tions should  never  be  lost  sight  of.  Both  races  should  rejoice  in 
gratitude,  for  the  institution  of  liberty  and  equality  here  became 
the  cause  of  liberating  your  fellow-beings  elsewhere.  The  colored 
people  of  this  country  are  especially  fortunate,  for,  Praise  be  to 
God !  conditions  here  are  so  much  higher  than  in  the  east  and  com- 
paratively few  differences  exist  in  the  possibility  of  equal  attain- 
ments wdth  the  white  race.  May  both  develop  toward  the  highest 
degree  of  equality  and  altruism.  May  you  be  drawn  together  in 
friendship  and  may  extraordinary  development  make  brotherhood 
a  reality  and  truth.  I  pray  in  your  behalf  that  there  shall  be  no 
name  other  than  that  of  humanity  among  you.  For  instance  we 
say  "a  flock  of  doves,"  without  mention  or  distinction  as  to  white 
or  black;  we  apply  the  name  ''horse,"  "deer,"  "gazelle"  to  other 
creatures,  referring  to  species  and  not  to  their  variance  in  color. 
It  is  my  hope  that  through  love  and  fellowship  we  may  advance  to 
such  a  degree  of  mutual  recognition  and  estimate,  that  the  oneness 
of  the  human  world  may  be  realized  in  each  and  all  present  in  this 
meeting. 

Therefore  strive  earnestly  and  put  forth  your  greatest  endeavor 
toward  the  accomplishment  of  this  fellowship  and  the  cementing 
of  this  bond  of  brotherhood  between  you.  Such  an  attainment  is 
not  possible  without  will  and  effort  on  the  part  of  each ;  from  one, 
expressions  of  gratitude  and  appreciation ;  from  the  other  kindliness 
and  recognition  of  equality.  Each  one  should  endeavor  to  develop 
and  assist  the  other  toward  mutual  advancement.  This  is  possible 
only  by  conjoining  of  effort  and  inclination.  Love  and  unity  will 
be  fostered  between  you,  thereby  bringing  about  the  oneness  of 
mankind.  For  the  accomplishment  of  unity  between  the  colored 
and  whites  will  be  an  assurance  of  the  world's  peace.  Then  racial 
prejudice,  national  prejudice,  limited  patriotism  and  religious  bias 
will  pass  away  and  remain  no  longer.  I  am  pleased  to  see  you  at 
this  gathering,  white  and  dark,  and  I  praise  God  that  I  have  had 
this  opportunity  of  seeing  you  loving  each  other,  for  this  is  the 
means  of  the  glory  of  humanity.  This  is  the  means  of  the  good- 
pleasure  of  God  and  of  eternal  bliss  in  his  kingdom.  Therefore  I 
pray  in  your  behalf  that  you  may  attain  to  the  fullest  degree  of 
love  and  that  the  day  may  come  when  all  differences  between  you 
may  disappear. 


44       TPIE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERkSAI.   PEACE 

VI 

April  23,  1912,  at  1700  18th  Street,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

T^ODAY  1  have  been  speaking  from  dawn  until  now,  yet  because 
-*-  of  love,  fellowship  and  desire  to  be  with  you,  I  have  come  here 
to  speak  again  briefly.  Within  the  last  few  days  a  terrible  event 
has  happened  in  the  world ;  an  event  saddening  to  every  heart  and 
grieving  every  spirit.  I  refer  to  the  "Titanic"  disaster  in  which 
many  of  our  fellow  human  beings  were  drowned,  a  number  of 
beautiful  souls  passed  beyond  this  earthly  life.  Although  such 
an  event  is  indeed  regrettable,  we  must  realize  that  everything 
which  happens  is  due  to  some  wisdom  and  that  nothing  happens 
without  a  reason.  Therein  is  a  mystery ;  but  whatever  the  reason 
and  mystery  it  was  a  very  sad  occurrence,  one  which  brought 
tears  to  many  eyes  and  distress  to  many  souls.  I  was  greatly  af- 
fected by  this  disaster.  Some  of  those  who  were  lost,  voyaged  on 
the  "Cedric"  with  us  as  far  as  Naples  and  afterwards  sailed  upon 
the  other  ship.  When  I  think  of  them  I  am  very  sad  indeed.  But 
when  I  consider  this  calamity  in  another  aspect,  I  am  consoled  by  the 
realization  that  the  worlds  of  God  are  infinite;  that  though  they 
were  deprived  of  this  existence  they  have  other  opportunities  in 
the  life  beyond,  even  as  His  Holiness  Christ  has  said  "In  my 
father's  house  are  many  mansions."  They  were  called  away  from 
the  temporary  and  transferred  to  the  eternal ;  they  abandoned  this 
material  existence  and  entered  the  portals  of  the  spiritual  world. 
Foregoing  the  pleasures  and  comforts  of  the  earthly,  they  now  par- 
take of  a  joy  and  happiness  far  more  abiding  and  real;  for  they 
have  hastened  to  the  kingdom  of  God.  The  mercy  of  God  is  in- 
finite and  it  is  our  duty  to  remember  these  departed  souls  in  our 
prayers  and  supplications  that  they  may  draw  nearer  and  nearer 
to  the  Source  Itself. 

These  human  conditions  may  be  likened  to  the  matrix  of  the 
mother  from  which  a  child  is  to  be  born  into  the  spacious  outer 
world.  At  first  the  infant  finds  it  very  difficult  to  reconcile  itself 
to  its  new  existence.  It  cries  as  if  not  wishing  to  be  separated  from 
its  narrow  abode  and  imagining  that  life  is  restricted  to  that  lim- 
ited space.  It  is  reluctant  to  leave  its  home  but  nature  forces  it 
into  this  world.  Ha"vang  come  into  its  new  conditions  it  finds  that 
it  has  pas55ed  from  darkness  into  a  sphere  of  radiance ;  from  gloomy 
and  restncted  surroundings  it  has  been  transferred  to  an  envii'on- 


DISCOURSES  DELIVEHHD  IN   WASIUNOTON  45 

nient  spacious  and  deliglitful.  Its  nourishment  was  the  blood  of  the 
mother;  now  it  finds  delicious  food  to  enjoy.  Its  new  life  is  filled 
with  brightness  and  beauty;  it  looks  with  wonder  and  delight  upon 
the  mountains,  meadows  and  fields  of  green,  the  rivers  and  foun- 
tains, the  wonderful  stars;  it  breathes  the  life-quickening  atmo- 
sphere; and  then  it  praises  God  for  its  release  from  the  confinement 
of  its  former  condition  and  attainment  to  the  freedom  of  a  new 
realm.  This  analogy  expresses  the  relation  of  the  temporal  world  to 
the  life  hereafter ;  the  transition  of  the  soul  of  man  from  darkness 
and  uncertainty  to  tlie  light  and  reality  of  the  eternal  kingdom. 
At  first  it  is  very  difficult  to  welcome  death,  but  after  attaining  its 
new  condition  the  soul  is  grateful  for  it  has  been  released  from 
the  bondage  of  the  limited,  to  enjoy  the  liberties  of  the  unlimited. 
It  has  been  freed  from  a  world  of  sorrow,  grief  and  trials  to  live  in 
a  world  of  unending  bliss  and  joy.  The  phenomenal  and  physical 
have  been  abandoned  in  order  that  it  may  attain  the  opportunities 
of  the  ideal  and  spiritual.  Therefore  the  souls  of  those  who  have 
passed  away  from  earth  and  completed  their  span  of  mortal  pil- 
grimage in  the  "  Titanic  "  disaster  have  hastened  to  a  world  superior 
to  this.  They  have  soared  away  from  these  conditions  of  darkness 
and  dim  vision  into  the  realm  of  light.  These  are  the  only  con- 
siderations which  can  comfort  and  console  those  whom  they  have 
left  behind. 

Furthermore,  these  events  have  deeper  reasons.  Their  object 
and  purpose  is  to  teach  man  certain  lessons.  We  are  living  in  a  day 
of  reliance  upon  material  conditions.  J\Ien  imagine  that  the  great 
size  and  strength  of  a  ship,  perfection  of  machinery  or  the  skill  of 
a  navigator  will  insure  safety,  but  these  disasters  sometimes  take 
place  that  men  may  know  that  God  is  the  real  protector.  If  it  be 
the  will  of  God  to  protect  man,  a  little  ship  may  escape  destruction 
whereas  the  greatest  and  most  perfectly  constructed  vessel  with  the 
best  and  most  skilful  navigator  may  not  survive  a  danger  such  as 
was  present  on  the  ocean.  The  purpose  is  that  the  people  of  the 
world  may  turn  to  God  the  one  protector;  that  human  souls  may 
rely  upon  his  preservation  find  know  that  he  is  the  real  safety. 
These  events  happen  in  order  that  man's  faith  may  be  increased 
and  strengthened.  Therefore  although  we  feel  sad  and  disheartened 
we  must  supplicate  God  to  turn  our  hearts  to  the  kingdom,  and 
pray  for  these  departed  souls  with  faith  in  his  infinite  mercy,  so 
that  although  they  have  been  deprived  of  this  earthly  life  they  may 
enjoy  a  new  existence  in  the  supreme  mansions  of  the  heavenly 
Father. 

Let  no  one  imagine  that  these  words  imply  that  man  should  not 


46       THE  P'RO:\IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

be  thorough  and  careful  in  his  undertakings.  God  has  endowed 
man  with  intelligence  so  that  he  may  safeguard  and  protect  him- 
self. Therefore  he  must  provide  and  surround  himself  with  all 
that  scientific  skill  can  produce.  He  must  be  deliberate,  thought- 
ful and  thorough  in  his  purposes,  build  the  best  ship  and  provide 
the  most  experienced  captain,  yet  withal  let  him  rely  upon  God  and 
consider  God  as  the  one  keeper.  If  God  protects,  nothing  can 
imperil  man's  safety;  and  if  it  be  not  his  will  to  safeguard,  no 
amount  of  preparation  and  precaution  will  avail. 

VII 

April  23,  1912,  at  Metropolitan  African  MetJiodist  Episcopal 

Church,  M  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington,  B.  C. 

Bethel  Literary  Society. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

AS  I  stand  here  tonight  and  look  upon  this  assembly,  I  am  re- 
minded curiously  of  a  beautiful  bouquet  of  violets  gathered 
together  in  varying  colors,  dark  and  light.  This  is  an  evidence  and 
indication  that  the  United  States  of  America  is  a  just  and  free 
government,  for  I  see  the  colored  and  white  races  seated  together 
in  perfect  harmony  and  agreement.  Hearts  are  united.  This  just 
government  makes  such  a  meeting  possible.  You  should  thank  God 
continually  that  you  enjoy  the  security  and  protection  of  a  gov- 
ernment which  furthers  your  development  and  rules  with  impar- 
tial equity  and  equality  toward  all,  even  as  a  father ;  for  in  the 
human  world  there  is  no  greater  blessing.  This  evening  I  will  speak 
to  you  upon  scientific  subjects. 

The  virtues  of  humanity  are  many  but  science  is  the  most  noble 
of  them  all.  The  distinction  which  man  enjoys  above  and  beyond 
the  station  of  the  animal  is  due  to  this  paramount  virtue.  It  is  a 
bestowal  of  God;  it  is  not  material,  it  is  divine.  Science  is  an 
effulgence  of  the  Sun  of  Reality,  the  power  of  investigating  and 
discovering  the  verities  of  the  universe,  the  means  by  which  man 
finds  a  pathway  to  God.  All  the  powers  and  attributes  of  man  are 
human  and  hereditary  in  origin,  outcomes  of  nature's  processes, 
except  the  intellect,  which  is  super-natural.  Through  intellectual 
and  intelligent  inquiry  science  is  the  discoverer  of  all  things.  It 
unites  present  and  past,  reveals  the  history  of  bygone  nations  and 
events,  and  confers  upon  man  today  the  essence  of  all  human 
knowledge  and  attainment  throughout  the  ages.  By  intellectual 
processes  and  logical  deductions  of  reason,   this  super  power  in 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         47 

man  can  penetrate  the  mysteries  of  the  future  and  anticipate  its 
happenings. 

Science  is  the  first  emanation  from  God  toward  man.  All  created 
beings  embody  the  potentiality  of  material  j^erfection,  but  the  power 
of  intellectual  investigation  and  scientific  acquisition  is  a  higher 
virtue  specialized  to  man  alone.  Other  beings  and  organisms  are 
deprived  of  this  potentiality  and  attainment.  God  has  created  or 
deposited  this  love  of  reality  in  man.  The  development  and 
progress  of  a  nation  is  according  to  the  measure  and  degree  of  that 
nation's  scientific  attainments.  Through  this  means,  its  greatness 
is  continually  increased  and  day  by  day  the  welfare  and  prosperity 
of  its  people  are  assured. 

All  blessings  are  divine  in  origin  but  none  can  be  compared  with 
this  power  of  intellectual  investigation  and  research  which  is  an 
eternal  gift  producing  finiits  of  unending  delight.  Man  is  ever  par- 
taking of  these  fruits.  All  other  blessings  are  temporary ;  this  is  an 
everlasting  possession.  Even  sovereignty  has  its  limitations  and  over- 
throw; this  is  a  kingship  and  dominion  which  none  may  usurp  or 
destroy.  Briefly ;  it  is  an  eternal  blessing  and  divine  bestowal,  the 
supreme  gift  of  God  to  man.  Therefore  you  should  put  forward 
your  most  earnest  efforts  toward  the  acquisition  of  science  and  arts. 
The  greater  your  attainment,  the  higher  your  standard  in  the  di- 
vine purpose.  The  man  of  science  is  perceiving  and  endowed  with 
vision  whereas  he  who  is  ignorant  and  neglectful  of  this  develop- 
tnent  is  blind.  The  investigating  mind  is  attentive,  alive ;  the  mind 
callous  and  indifferent  is  deaf  and  dead.  A  scientific  man  is  a  true 
index  and  representative  of  humanity,  for  through  processes  of  in- 
ductive reasoning  and  research  he  is  informed  of  all  that  appertains 
to  humanity,  its  status,  conditions  and  happenings.  He  studies  the 
human  body-politic,  understands  social  problems  and  weaves  the 
web  and  texture  of  civilization.  In  fact,  science  may  be  likened  to  a 
mirror  wherein  the  infinite  forms  and  images  of  existing  things 
are  revealed  and  reflected.  It  is  the  very  foundation  of  all  indi- 
vidual and  national  development.  Without  this  basis  of  investiga- 
tion, development  is  impossible.  Therefore  seek  with  diligent  en. 
deavor  the  knowledge  and  attainment  of  all  that  lies  within  the 
power  of  this  wonderful  bestowal. 

We  have  already  stated  that  science  or  the  attribute  of  scien- 
tific penetration  is  supernatural  and  that  all  other  blessings  of 
God  are  within  the  boundary  of  nature.  What  is  the  proof  of  this  ? 
All  created  things  except  man  are  captives  of  nature.  The  stars 
and  suns  swinging  through  infinite  space,  all  earthly  forms  of  life 
and  existence  whether  mineral,  vegetable  or  animal  come  under  the 


48       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

dominion   and   control    of   natural   law.      Man   tlirongli   scientific 
knowledge  and  power   rales  nature  and  utilizes  her  laws  to  do  his 
bidding.     According  to  natural  limitations  he  is  a  creature  of  earth 
restricted  to  life  upon  its  surface,  but  through  scientific  utilization 
of  material  laws  he  soars  in  the  sky,  sails  upon  the  ocean  and  dives 
beneath  it.  The  products  of  his  invention  and  discoveiy  so  familiar  to 
us  in  daily  life  were  once  mysteries  of  nature.  For  instance,  man  has 
brought  electricity  out  of  the  plane  of  the  invisible  into  the  plane 
of  the  visible,  harnessed  and  imprisoned  that  mysterious  natural 
agent  and  made  it  the  servant  of  his  needs  and  wishes.     Similar 
instances  are  many  but  we  will  not  prolong.    IMan  as  it  were  takes 
the  sword  out  of  nature's  hand  and  with  it  for  his  sceptre  of 
authority  dominates  nature  itself.    Nature  is  without  the  crown  of 
human  faculties  and  attributes.     Man  possesses   conscious   Intel 
ligence  and  reflection;  nature  is  minus.     This  is  an  established 
fundamental  among  philosophers.     J\Ian  is  endowed  with  volition 
and  memory ;  nature  has  neither,    Man  can  seek  out  the  mysteries 
latent  in  nature  whereas  nature  is  not  conscious  of  her  own  hidden 
phenomena.    ]\lan  is  progressive ;  nature  is  stationary,  without  the 
power  of  progression  or  retrogression.   ]\Ian  is  endowed  with  ideal 
virtues,  for  example  intellection,  volition, — among  them  faith,  con- 
fession and  acknowledgment  of  God,  while  nature  is  devoid  of  all 
these.    The  ideal  faculties  of  man,  including  the  capacity  of  scien- 
tific acquisition  are  beyond  nature's  ken.  These  are  powers  whereby 
man  is  differentiated  and  distinguished  from  all  other  forms  of  life. 
This  is  the  bestowal  of  divine  idealism,  the  crown  adorning  human 
heads.     Notwithstanding  the  gift  of  this  supernatural  power,  it  is 
most  amazing  that  materialists  still  consider  themselves  within  the 
bonds  and  captivity  of  nature.    The  truth  is  that  God  has  endowed 
man  with  virtues,  powers  and  ideal  faculties  of  which  nature  is 
entirely  bereft  and  by  which  man  is  elevated,  distinguished  and 
superior.    AVe  must  thank  God  for  these  bestowals,  for  these  powere 
he  has  given  us,  for  this  crown  he  has  placed  upon  our  heads. 

How  shall  we  utilize  these  gifts  and  expend  these  bounties? 
By  directing  our  efforts  toward  the  unification  of  the  human  race. 
We  must  use  these  powers  in  establishing  the  oneness  of  the  world 
of  humanity;  appreciate  these  virtues  by  accomplishing  the  unity 
of  the  white  and  colored  races ;  devote  tliis  divine  intelligence  to  the 
perfecting  of  amity  and  accord  among  all  branches  of  the  human 
family,  so  that  under  the  protection  and  providence  of  God,  the 
east  and  west  may  hold  each  other's  hands  and  become  as  lovers. 
Then  will  mankind  be  as  one  nation,  one  race  and  kind;  as  waves 
of  one  ocean.     Although  these  waves  may  differ  in  form  and  shape, 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON  49 

they  are  waves  of  the  same  sea.  Flowers  may  be  vanegated  in 
colors  but  they  are  all  flowers  of  one  garden.  Trees  differ  though 
they  grow  in  the  same  orchard.  All  are  nourished  and  quickened 
into  life  by  the  bounty  of  the  same  rain;  all  grow  and  develop  by 
the  heat  and  light  of  the  one  sun ;  all  are  refreshed  and  exhilarated 
by  the  same  breeze ;  that  they  may  bring  forth  varied  fruits.  This 
is  according  to  the  creative  wisdom.  If  all  trees  bore  the  same 
kind  of  fruit  it  would  cease  to  be  delicious.  In  their  never-ending 
variety  man  finds  enjoyment  instead  of  monotony. 

And  now  as  I  look  into  your  faces  I  am  reminded  of  trees  vary^- 
ing  in  color  and  form  but  all  bearing  luscious  and  delectable  fruits, 
fragrant  and  delightful  to  the  inner  and  outer  senses.  The  rad- 
iance and  spirituality  of  this  meeting  is  through  the  favor  of  God. 
Our  hearts  are  uplifted  in  thankfulness  to  him.  Praise  be  to  God ! 
you  are  living  upon  the  great  continent  of  the  west  en.joying  the 
perfect  liberty,  security  and  peace  of  this  just  government.  There  is 
no  cause  for  sorrow  or  unhappiness  anywhere ;  every  means  of  hap- 
piness and  enjoyment  are  about  you,  for  in  this  human  world  there 
is  no  greater  blessing  than  liberty.  You  do  not  know.  I  who  for 
forty  years  have  been  a  prisoner,  do  know.  I  do  know  the  value 
and  blessing  of  liberty.  For  you  have  been  and  are  now  living  in 
freedom  and  you  have  no  fear  of  anybody.  Is  there  a  greater 
blessing  than  this?  Freedom!  Liberty!  Security!  These  are  the 
great  bestowals  of  God.  Therefore  praise  ye  God  I  I  will  now  pray 
in  your  behalf. 


VIII 

April  24, 1912,  at  1219  Connecticut  Avenue,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Studio  Hall — Children's  Reception. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

WHAT  a  wonderful  meeting  this  is!  What  a  wonderful  meet- 
ing this  is!  These  are  the  children  of  the  kingdom.  The 
song  we  have  just  listened  to  was  very  beautiful  in  melody  and 
words.  The  art  of  music  is  divine  and  effective.  It  is  the  food  of 
the  soul  and  spirit.  Tlirough  the  power  and  charm  of  music  the 
spirit  of  man  is  uplifted.  It  has  wonderful  sway  and  effect  in  the 
hearts  of  children,  for  their  hearts  are  pure  and  melodies  have 
great  influence  in  them.  The  latent  talents  with  which  the  hearts 
of  these  children  are  endowed  will  find  expression  through  the 
medium  of  music.  Therefore  you  must  exert  yourselves  to  make 
them  proficient ;  teach  them  to  sing  with  excellence  and  effect.    It 


50       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

is  incumbent  upon  each  child  to  know  something  of  music,  for  with- 
out knowledge  of  this  art,  the  melodies  of  instrument  and  voice 
cannot  be  rightly  enjoyed.  Likewise  it  is  necessary  that  the  schools 
teach  it  in  order  that  the  souls  and  hearts  of  the  pupils  may  be- 
come vivified  and  exhilarated  and  their  lives  be  brightened  with 
enjoyment. 

Today  illumined  and  spiritual  children  are  gathered  in  this 
meeting.  They  are  the  children  of  the  kingdom.  The  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  for  such  souls  as  these,  for  they  are  near  to  God.  They 
have  pure  hearts.  They  have  spiritual  faces.  The  effect  of  the 
divine  teachings  is  manifest  in  the  perfect  purity  of  their  hearts. 
That  is  why  His  Highness  Christ  has  addressed  the  world,  saying 
"Except  ye  become  as  little  children,  ye  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into 
the  kingdom ' ' ;  that  is,  men  must  become  pure  in  heart  to  know  God. 
The  teachings  have  had  great  effect.  Spiritual  souls !  Tender  souls ! 
The  hearts  of  all  children  are  of  the  utmost  purity.  They  are  mir- 
rors upon  which  no  dust  has  fallen.  But  this  purity  is  on  account 
of  weakness  and  innocence,  not  on  account  of  any  strength  and  test- 
ing, for  as  this  is  the  early  period  of  their  childhood  their  hearts 
and  minds  are  unsullied  by  the  world.  They  cannot  display  any 
great  intelligence.  They  have  neither  hypocrisy  nor  deceit.  This 
is  on  account  of  the  child's  weakness  whereas  the  man  becomes 
pure  through  his  strength.  Through  the  power  of  intelligence  he 
becomes  simple ;  through  the  great  power  of  reason  and  understand- 
ing and  not  through  the  power  of  weakness,  he  becomes  sincere. 
When  he  attains  to  the  state  of  perfection  he  will  receive 
these  qualities;  his  heart  becomes  purified,  his  spirit  enlightened, 
his  soul  is  sensitized  and  tender;  all  through  his  great  strength. 
This  is  the  difference  between  the  perfect  man  and  the  child.  Both 
have  the  underlying  qualities  of  simplicity  and  sincerity ; — the  child 
through  the  power  of  weakness  and  the  man  through  the  power 
of  strength, 

I  pray  in  behalf  of  these  children  and  beg  confirmation  and 
assistance  for  them  from  the  kingdom  of  Abha  so  that  each  one 
may  be  trained  under  the  shadow  of  the  protection  of  God,  each 
may  become  like  a  lighted  candle  in  the  world  of  humanity,  a  ten- 
der and  growing  plant  in  the  rose-garden  of  Abha;  that  these 
children  may  be  so  trained  and  educated  that  they  shall  give  life  to 
the  world  of  humanity;  that  they  may  receive  insight;  that  they 
may  bestow  hearing  upon  the  people  of  the  world ;  that  they  may 
sow  the  seeds  of  life  eternal  and  be  accepted  in  the  threshold  of 
God;  that  they  may  become  characterized  with  such  virtues,  per- 
fections and   qualities   that   their   mothers,   fathers   and   relatives 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON  51 

will  be  thankful  to  God,  well-pleased  and  hopeful.    This  is  my  wish 
and  prayer. 

I  give  you  my  advice  and  it  is  this :  Train  these  children  with 
divine  exhortations.  From  their  childhood  instill  in  their  hearts 
the  love  of  God  so  they  may  manifest  in  their  lives  the  fear  of 
God  and  have  confidence  in  the  bestowals  of  God.  Teach  them  to 
free  themselves  from  human  imperfections  and  to  acquire  the  divine 
perfections  latent  in  the  heart  of  man.  The  life  of  man  is  use- 
ful if  he  attains  the  perfections  of  man.  If  he  becomes  the  center 
of  the  imperfections  of  the  world  of  humanity,  death  is  better  than 
life,  and  non-existence  better  than  existence.  Therefore  make  ye 
an  effort  in  order  that  these  children  may  be  rightly  trained  and 
educated  and  that  each  one  of  them  may  attain  perfection  in  the 
world  of  humanity.  Know  ye  the  value  of  these  children  for  they 
are  all  my  children. 

IX 

April  24,  1912,  at  1700  18th  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

YOU  are  welcome  this  afternoon,  most  welcome.  I  am  ever  happy 
to  see  you.  I  ask  God  that  meeting  me  may  be  productive  of 
results ;  that  it  may  not  be  like  ordinary  gatherings,  for  those  who 
hold  meetings  where  groups  of  people  assemble,  usually  have  some 
interest  to  further.  Praise  be  to  God!  I  have  no  personal  inter- 
ests. I  have  an  interest  in  the  kingdom  and  this  is  a  sincere  inten- 
tion. I  have  perfect  love  for  you,  therefore  I  have  traveled  this 
long  distance  to  meet  and  greet  you.  I  hope  that  these  gatherings 
may  be  productive  of  great  results  and  there  is  no  greater  result 
than  the  love  of  God.  There  is  no  greater  result  than  bonds  of 
service  in  the  divine  kingdom  and  attainment  to  the  good-pleasui*e 
of  the  Lord.  Therefore  I  desire  that  your  hearts  may  be  directed 
to  the  kingdom  of  God,  that  your  intentions  may  be  pure  and  sin- 
cere, your  purposes  turned  toward  altruistic  accomplishment  un- 
mindful of  your  own  welfare ;  nay,  rather,  may  all  your  intentions 
center  in  the  welfare  of  humanity  and  may  you  seek  to  sacrifice 
yourselves  in  the  pathway  of  devotion  to  mankind.  Even  as  His 
Holiness  Jesus  Christ  forfeited  his  life,  may  you  likewise  offer 
yourselves  in  the  threshold  of  sacrifice  for  the  betterment  of  the 
world ;  and  just  as  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  suft'ered  severe 
ordeals  and   calamities  nearly  fifty  years   for  you,   may  you  be 


52       THE  PRO:\IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

willing  to  undergo  difficulties  and  withstand  catastrophies  for  hu- 
manity in  general.  May  you  bear  these  trials  and  tests  most 
willingly  and  joyously,  for  every  night  is  followed  by  a  day  and 
every  day  has  a  night.  Every  spring  has  an  autumn  and  every 
autumn  has  its  spring.  The  coming  of  a  manifestation  of  God  is 
the  season  of  spiritual  spring.  For  instance,  the  appearance  of 
His  Holiness  Christ  was  a  divine  springtime.  Therefore  it  caused 
a  great  commotion  and  vibrant  movement  in  the  world  of  humanity. 
The  Sun  of  Reality  dawned,  the  cloud  of  mercy  poured  down  its 
rain,  the  breezes  of  providence  moved,  the  world  became  a  new 
world,  mankind  reflected  an  extraordinary  radiance,  souls  were 
educated,  minds  were  developed,  intelligences  became  acute  and 
the  human  world  attained  a  new  freshness  of  life,  like  unto  the 
advent  of  spring.  Then  gradually  that  spring  was  followed  by  the 
autumn  of  death  and  decay.  The  teachings  of  His  Holiness  Christ 
were  forgotten.  The  Christ  bounties  ceased.  Divine  moralities 
disappeared.  Day  ended  in  night.  The  people  became  negligent 
and  oblivious.  JMinds  weakened  until  conditions  reached  such  a 
crisis  that  material  science  rose  in  the  ascendent.  Knowledge  and 
sciences  of  the  kingdom  became  obsolete,  the  mysteries  of  God 
deepened  and  the  traces  of  the  bounties  of  His  Highness  Christ 
were  completely  obliterated.  The  nations  were  enmeshed  in  super- 
stition and  blind  imitation.  Discord  and  disagreement  arose,  cul- 
minating in  strife,  war  and  bloodshed.  Hearts  were  torn  asunder 
in  violence.  Various  denominations  appeared,  diverse  sects  and 
creeds  arose  and  the  whole  world  was  plunged  into  darkness. 

At  such  a  time  as  this  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullaii  dawned  from 
the  horizon  of  Persia.  He  reformed  and  renewed  the  fundamentals 
and  realities  of  the  Christ's  teachings.  He  endured  the  greatest 
difficulties  and  underwent  the  severest  ordeals. 

Praise  be  to  God!  that  the  teachings  of  God  are  revoiced,  the 
ligiit  of  reality  has  dawned  again,  the  effulgence  is  increasing  daily 
and  the  radiance  is  shining  more  gloriously  in  the  zenith.  From  the 
cloud  of  mercy  a  deluge  is  descending ;  the  Sun  of  Reality  is  bril- 
liant in  its  eternal  station.  Again  we  are  hopeful  that  the  same 
springtime  may  pitch  its  tent  and  that  these  boundless  bestowals 
may  appear  once  more  among  us.  Through  your  efforts  and 
sincerity  this  is  made  possible.  If  you  arise  in  the  cause  of  God 
with  divine  power,  heavenly  grace,  sincerity  of  the  kingdom,  merci- 
ful heart  and  decisive  intention,  it  is  certain  that  the  world  of  hu- 
manity will  be  entirely  illumined,  the  moralities  of  mankind  become 
merciful,  the  foundations  of  the  '*i\rost  Great  Peace"  will  be  laid 
and  the  oneness  of  the  kingdom  of  man  become  a  reality.    This  is 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         53 

the  great  bounty  I  desire  for  yon,  and  I  pray  and  supplicate  tlie 
divine  threshold    imploring  in  your  behalf. 

O  thou  merciful  God!  0  thou  who  art  mighty  and  powerful! 
O  thou  most  kind  father!  These  servants  have  gathered  together, 
turning  to  thee,  supplicating  thy  threshold,  desiring  thy  endless 
bounties  from  thy  great  assurance.  They  have  no  purpose  save  thy 
good-pleasure.  They  have  no  intention  save  service  to  the  world 
of  humanity.  0  God!  make  this  assemblage  radiant.  Make  the 
hearts  merciful.  Confer  the  bounties  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Endow 
them  with  a  power  from  heaven.  Bless  them  with  heavenly  minds. 
Increase  their  sincerity  so  that  with  all  humility  and  contrition  they 
may  turn  to  thy  kingdom  and  be  occupied  with  service  to  the  world 
of  humanity.  May  each  one  become  a  radiant  candle.  May  each 
one  become  a  brilliant  star.  May  each  one  become  beautiful  in 
color  and  redolent  of  fragrance  in  the  kingdom  of  God.  0  kind 
Father!  confer  thy  blessings.  Consider  not  our  shortcomings. 
Shelter  us  under  thy  protection.  Remember  not  our  sins.  Heal 
us  with  thy  mercy.  We  are  weak;  thou  art  mighty.  We  are  poor; 
thou  art  rich.  W^e  are  sick ;  thou  art  the  physician.  We  are  needy ; 
thou  art  most  generous.  0  God !  endow  us  with  thy  providence. 
Thou  art  the  powerful !  Thou  art  the  giver !  Thou  art  the  beneficent ! 


X 

April  24,  1912,  at  1937  13th  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Home  of  Mrs.  Andrew  J.  Dyer. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

A  :\IEETING  such  as  this  seems  like  a  beautiful  cluster  of 
-^"^  precious  jewels, — pearls,  rubies,  diamonds,  sapphires.  It  is  a 
source  of  joy  and  delight.  Whatever  is  conducive  to  the  unity 
of  the  world  of  mankind  is  most  acceptable  and  praiseworthy; 
whatever  is  the  cause  of  discord  and  disunion  is  saddening  and 
deplorable.     Consider  the  significance  of  unity  and  hannony. 

This  evening  I  will  speak  to  you  upon  the  subject  of  existence 
and  non-existence,  life  and  death.  Existence  is  the  expression  and 
outcome  of  composition  and  combination.  Non-existence  is  the  ex- 
pression and  outcome  of  division  and  disintegration.  If  we  study 
the  forms  of  existence  in  the  material  universe,  we  find  that  ail 
created  things  are  the  result  of  composition.  Material  elements 
have  grouped  together  in  infinite  variety  and  endless  forms.  Each 
organism  is  a  compound ;  each  object  is  an  expression  of  elemental 
affinity.    We  find  the  complex  human  organi.sm  simply  an  aggrega- 


54       THE  PROMULGATION  OP  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

tion  of  cellular  structure ;  the  tree  is  a  composite  of  plant  cells ;  the 
animal  a  combination  and  grouping  of  cellular  atoms  or  units,  and 
so  on.  Existence  or  the  expression  of  being  is  therefore  composi- 
tion, and  non-existence  is  decomi^osition,  division,  disintegration. 
AVhen  elements  have  been  brought  together  in  a  certain  plan  of  com- 
bination the  result  is  the  human  organism  ;  when  these  elements  sepa- 
rate and  disperse,  the  outcomeisdeathandnon-existence.  Lifeisthere- 
fore  the  product  of  composition,  and  death  signifies  decomposition. 

Likewise  in  the  world  of  minds  and  souls,  fellowship,  which  is  an 
expression  of  composition  is  conductive  to  life ;  whereas  discord, 
which  is  an  expression  of  decomposition  is  the  equivalent  of  death. 
Without  cohesion  among  the  individual  elements  which  compose  the 
body-politic,  disintegration  and  decay  must  inevitably  follow  and 
life  be  extinguished.  Ferocious  animals  have  no  fellowship.  The 
vultures  and  tigers  are  solitary  whereas  domestic  animals  live  to- 
gether in  complete  harmony.  The  sheep,  black  and  white,  associate 
without  discord.  Birds  of  various  species  and  colors  wing  their 
flight  and  feed  together  without  trace  of  enmity  or  disagreement. 
Therefore  in  the  world  of  humanity  it  is  wise  and  seemly  that  all 
the  individual  members  should  manifest  unity  and  affinity.  In  the 
clustered  jewels  of  the  races,  may  the  colored  people  be  as  sapphires 
and  rubies,  and  the  whites  as  diamonds  and  pearls.  The  composite 
beauty  of  humanity  will  be  witnessed  in  their  unity  and  blending. 
How  glorious  the  spectacle  of  real  unity  among  mankind!  How 
conducive  to  peace,  confidence  and  happiness  if  races  and  nations 
were  united  in  fellowship  and  accord!  The  prophets  of  God  were 
sent  into  the  world  upon  this  mission  of  unity  and  agreement ;  that 
these  long  separated  sheep  might  flock  together.  When  the  sheep 
separate  they  are  exposed  to  danger,  but  in  a  flock  and  under  pro- 
tection of  the  shepherd  they  are  safe  from  the  attack  of  all  ferocious 
enemies. 

When  the  racial  elements  of  the  American  nation  unite  in  actual 
fellowship  and  accord,  the  lights  of  the  oneness  of  humanity  will 
shine,  the  day  of  eternal  glory  and  bliss  will  dawn,  the  spirit  of  God 
encompass  and  the  divine  favors  descend.  Under  the  leadership 
and  training  of  God  the  real  shepherd,  all  will  be  protected  and 
preserved.  He  will  lead  them  in  green  pastures  of  happiness  and 
sustenance  and  they  will  attain  to  the  real  goal  of  existence.  This 
is  the  blessing  and  benefit  of  unity ;  this  is  the  outcome  of  love.  This 
is  the  sign  of  the  ' '  Most  Great  Peace ; ' '  this  is  the  star  of  the  one- 
ness of  the  human  world.  Consider  how  blessed  this  condition  will 
be.  I  pray  for  you  and  ask  the  confirmation  and  assistance  of  God 
in  your  behalf. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         55 

XI 

Apra  25,  1912,  at  1700  18th  Street,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Theosophical  Society. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

'T^HE  greatest  power  in  the  realm  and  range  of  human  existence 
-*-  is  spirit, — the  divine  breath  which  animates  and  pervades  all 
things.  It  is  manifested  throughout  creation  in  different  degrees 
or  kingdoms.  In  the  vegetable  kingdom  it  is  the  spirit  augmenta- 
tive or  power  of  growth,  the  animus  of  life  and  development  in 
plants,  trees  and  organisms  of  the  floral  world.  In  this  degree  of 
its  manifestation,  spirit  is  unconscious  of  the  powers  which  qualify 
the  kingdom  of  the  animal.  The  distinctive  virtue  or  plus  of  the 
animal  is  sense  perception;  it  sees,  hears,  smells,  tastes  and  feels 
but  is  incapable  in  turn,  of  conscious  ideation  or  reflection  which 
characterize  and  differentiate  the  human  kingdom.  The  animal 
neither  exercises  nor  apprehends  this  distinctive  human  power  and 
gift.  From  the  visible  it  cannot  draw  conclusions  regarding  the 
invisible  whereas  the  human  mind  from  visible  and  known  prem- 
ises attains  knowledge  of  the  unknown  and  invisible.  For  instance, 
Christopher  Columbus  from  information  based  upon  known  and 
provable  facts  drew  conclusions  which  led  him  unerringly  across 
the  vast  ocean  to  the  unknown  continent  of  America.  Such  power 
of  accomplishment  is  beyond  the  range  of  animal  intelligence. 
Therefore  this  power  is  a  distinctive  attribute  of  the  human  spirit 
and  kingdom.  The  animal  spirit  cannot  penetrate  and  discover  the 
mysteries  of  things.  It  is  a  captive  of  the  senses.  No  amount  of 
teaching,  for  instance,  would  enable  it  to  grasp  the  fact  that  the 
sun  is  stationary  and  the  earth  moves  around  it.  Likewise  the  hu- 
man spirit  has  its  limitations.  It  cannot  comprehend  the  phenom- 
ena of  the  kingdom  transcending  the  human  station,  for  it  is  a 
captive  of  powers  and  life  forces  which  have  their  operation  upon 
its  own  plane  of  existence  and  it  cannot  go  beyond  that  boundary. 
There  is  however  another  spirit  which  may  be  teraied  the  divine, 
to  which  Jesus  Christ  refers  when  he  declares  that  man  must  be 
born  of  its  quickening  and  baptized  with  its  living  fire.  Souls  de- 
prived of  that  spirit  are  accounted  as  dead,  though  they  are  pos- 
sessed of  the  human  spirit.  His  Holiness  elesus  Christ  has  pro- 
nounced them  dead  inasmuch  as  they  have  no  portion  of  the  divine 
spirit.  He  says  "Let  the  dead  bury  their  dead."  In  another  in- 
stance he  declares  ' '  That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh  ;  and  that 


5(i       THE  PR0:\1LLGATI0N  OP  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

which  is  born  of  the  spirit  is  spirit. ' '  By  this  he  means  that  souls 
though  alive  in  the  human  kingdom  are  nevertheless  dead  if  devoid 
of  this  particular  spirit  of  divine  quickening.  They  have  not  par- 
taken of  the  divine  life  of  the  higher  kingdom ;  for  the  soul  which 
partakes  of  the  power  of  the  divine  spirit  is  verily  living. 

This  quickening  spirit  has  spontaneous  emanation  from  the  Sun 
of  Truth,  from  the  reality  of  divinity  and  is  not  a  revelation  or  a 
manifestation.  It  is  like  the  rays  of  the  sun.  The  rays  are  emana- 
tions from  the  sun.  This  does  not  mean  that  the  sun  has  become 
divisible;  that  a  part  of  the  sun  has  come  out  into  space.  This 
plant  beside  me  has  risen  from  the  seed ;  therefore  it  is  a  manifesta- 
tion and  unfoldment  of  the  seed.  The  seed,  as  you  can  see,  has  ini- 
folded  in  manifestation  and  the  result  is  this  plant.  Every  leaf 
of  the  plant  is  a  part  of  the  seed.  But  the  reality  of  divinity  is 
indivisible  and  each  individual  of  human  kind  cannot  be  a  part  of 
it  as  is  often  claimed.  Nay,  rather,  the  individual  realities  of  man- 
kind when  spiritually  born  are  emanations  from  the  reality  of 
divinity,  just  as  the  flame,  heat  and  light  of  the  sun  are  the  efful- 
gence of  the  sun  and  not  a  part  of  the  sun  itself.  Therefore  a 
spirit  has  emanated  from  the  reality  of  divinity,  and  its  effulgences 
have  become  visible  in  human  entities  or  realities.  This  ray  and  this 
heat  are  permanent.  There  is  no  cessation  in  the  effulgence.  As 
long  as  the  sun  exists  the  heat  and  light  will  exist,  and  inasmuch 
as  etemality  is  a  property  of  divinity,  this  emanation  is  everlasting. 
There  is  no  cessation  in  its  outpouring.  The  more  the  world  of 
humanity  develops,  the  more  the  effulgences  or  emanations  of 
divinity  will  become  revealed,  just  as  the  stone  when  it  becomes 
polished  and  pure  as  a  mirror  will  reflect  in  fuller  degree  the  glory 
and  splendor  of  the  sun. 

The  mission  of  the  prophets,  the  revelation  of  the  holy  books, 
the  manifestation  of  the  heavenly  teachers  and  the  purpose  of  di- 
vine philosophy  all  center  in  the  training  of  the  human  realities  so 
that  they  may  become  clear  and  pure  as  mirrors  and  reflect  the 
light  and  love  of  the  Sun  of  Reality.  Therefore  I  hope  that  whether 
you  be  in  the  east  or  the  west  you  will  strive  with  heart  and  soul 
in  order  that  day  by  day  the  world  of  humanity  may  become  glori- 
fied, more  spiritual,  more  sanctified;  and  that  the  splendor  of  the 
Sun  of  Reality  may  be  revealed  fully  in  human  hearts  as  in  a  mir- 
ror. This  is  worthy  of  the  world  of  mankind.  This  is  the  true 
evolution  and  progress  of  humanity.  This  is  the  supreme  bestowal. 
Otherwise,  by  simple  development  along  material  lines  man  is  not 
perfected.  At  most,  the  physical  aspect  of  man,  his  natural  or  ma- 
terial conditions  may  become  stabilized  and  improved   but  he  Avill 


DISCOUKSES  DELIVEKED  IN  WASIiIN(;TON  57 

remain  deprived  of  the  spiritual  or  divine  bestowal.  He  is  then  like 
a  body  without  a  spirit,  a  lamp  without  the  light,  an  eye  without  the 
power  of  vision,  an  ear  that  hears  no  sound,  a  mind  incapable  of 
perceiving,  an  intellect  minus  the  power  of  reason. 

]\Ian  has  two  powers,  and  his  development  two  aspects.  One 
power  is  connected  with  the  material  world  and  by  it  he  is  capable 
of  material  advancement.  The  other  powder  is  spiritual  and  through 
its  development  his  inner,  potential  nature  is  awakened.  These 
powere  are  like  two  wings.  Both  must  be  developed,  for  flight  is 
impossible  with  one  wing.  Praise  be  to  God !  material  advancement 
has  been  evident  in  the  world  but  there  is  need  of  spiritual  advance- 
ment in  like  proportion.  We  must  strive  unceasingly  and  without 
rest  to  accomplish  the  development  of  the  spiritual  nature  in  man, 
and  endeavor  with  tireless  energy  to  advance  humanity  toward  the 
nobility  of  its  true  and  intended  station.  For  the  body  of  man  is 
accidental ;  it  is  of  no  importance.  The  time  of  its  disintegration 
will  inevitably  come.  But  the  spirit  of  man  is  essential  and  there- 
fore eternal.  It  is  a  divine  bounty.  It  is  the  eflfulgence  of  the  Sun 
of  Reality  and  therefore  of  greater  importance  than  the  physical 
body. 

I  pray  for  you.  You  have  come  to  visit  me  and  I  am  most 
grateful.  I  shall  ask  confirmation  and  assistance  for  you  from 
God  the  generous,  the  bestower,  that  you  may  be  aided  in  serving 
the  world  of  humanity. 

XII 

April  25,  1912,  at  1700  18th  Street,  N.  W.,  Washingtoyi,  D.  C. 

Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Message  to  Esperantists. 

Nof.es  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

TODAY  the  greatest  need  of  the  world  of  humanity  is  discon- 
tinuance of  the  existing  misunderstandings  among  nations. 
This  can  be  accomplished  through  the  unity  of  language.  Unless 
the  unity  of  languages  is  realized,  the  "Most  Great  Peace"  and  the 
oneness  of  the  human  world  cannot  be  effectively  organized  and 
established;  because  the  function  of  language  is  to  portray  the 
mysteries  and  secrets  of  human  hearts.  The  heart  is  like  a  box 
and  language  is  the  key.  We  can  open  the  box  only  by  using  the 
key,  and  observe  the  gems  it  contains.  Therefore  the  question  of 
an  auxiliary  international  tongue  has  the  utmost  importance. 
Through  this  means,  international  education  and  training  become 


58       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

possible ;  the  evidence  and  history  of  the  past  can  be  acquired.  The 
spread  of  the  known  facts  of  the  human  world  depends  upon  lan- 
guage. The  explanation  of  divine  teachings  can  only  be  through 
this  medium.  As  long  as  diversity  of  tongues  and  lack  of  compre- 
hension of  other  languages  continue,  these  glorious  aims  cannot  be 
realized.  Therefore  the  very  first  service  to  the  world  of  man  is  to 
establish  this  auxiliary  international  means  of  communication.  It 
will  become  the  cause  of  the  tranquillity  of  the  human  common- 
wealth. Through  it,  sciences  and  arts  will  be  spread  among  the 
nations  and  it  will  prove  to  be  the  means  of  the  progress  and  devel- 
opment of  all  races.  We  must  endeavor  with  all  our  powers  to  es- 
tablish this  international  auxiliary  language  throughout  the  world. 
It  is  my  hope  that  it  may  be  perfected  through  the  bounties  of  God 
and  that  intelligent  men  may  be  selected  from  the  various  countries 
of  the  world  to  organize  an  international  congress  whose  chief  aim 
will  be  the  promotion  of  this  universal  medium  of  speech. 


XIII 

April  25,  1912,  at  1700  18th  Street,  N.  W.,  Washirigton,  D.  C. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  J.  Parsons. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

IN  THE  world  of  existence  the  greatest  bestowals  of  God  are 
his  teachings.  The  other  bounties  of  God  are  limited  as  re- 
gards their  benefits  and  provision.  Human  existence  itself  is  a 
divine  bestowal  but  it  is  circumscribed  with  limitations.  Sight 
and  hearing  are  bounties  of  God;  both  are  limited.  And  so  it  is 
with  all  the  other  bestowals ;  the  circle  of  their  operation  is  con- 
fined, restricted  whereas  the  sphere  of  the  divine  teachings  is  bound- 
less. Centuries  and  ages  pass  away  but  their  efficacy  continues 
like  the  spirit  of  life  which  animates  the  world  of  existence.  With- 
out the  teachings  of  God  the  world  of  humanity  is  like  the  animal 
kingdom.  What  difference  is  there  between  the  animal  and  man? 
The  difference  is  this; — that  the  animal  is  not  capable  of  appre^ 
bending  the  divine  teachings  whereas  man  is  worthy  of  them  and 
possesses  the  capacity  to  understand.  In  the  animal  kingdom  there 
is  no  such  bestowal;  therefore  limited  progression.  At  most,  evo- 
lution in  that  kingdom  is  a  development  of  the  organism.  In  the 
beginning  it  is  small,  undeveloped ;  it  develops,  becomes  larger ;  but 
its  sphere  of  intellectual  growth  is  limited.  Therefore  the  teach- 
ings of  God  are  the  bestowals  specialized  for  man. 

Although  the  divine  teachings  are  truth  and  reality,  yet  with 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  WASHINGTON         59 

the  passage  of  time  thick  clouds  envelop  and  obscure  them.  These 
clouds  are  imitations  and  superstitions;  they  are  not  the  funda- 
mentals. Then  the  Sun  of  Truth,  the  Word  of  God  arises  again, 
shines  forth  once  more  in  the  gloiy  of  its  power  and  disperses  the 
enveloping  darkness. 

For  a  long  time  the  divine  precepts  of  the  effulgent  Word  were 
obscured  by  clouds  of  superstition  and  error  until  His  Holiness 
Baha  'Ullah  appeared  upon  the  horizon  of  humanity,  rent  the 
shadows,  scattered  the  clouds  and  revealed  anew  the  foundations 
of  the  teachings  of  God. 

The  first  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  duty  incumbent  upon 
all  to  investigate  reality.  What  does  it  mean  to  investigate  reality  ? 
It  means  that  man  must  forget  all  hearsay  and  examine  truth  him- 
self;  for  he  does  not  know  whether  statements  he  hears  are  in  ac- 
cordance with  reality  or  not.  Wherever  he  finds  tiiith  or  reality 
he  nnist  hold  to  it,  forsaking,  discarding  all  else,  for  outside  of 
reality  there  is  naught  but  superstition  and  imagination.  For  ex- 
ample, during  the  days  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Jews  were  expecting 
the  appearance  of  Messiah,  praying  and  beseeching  God  day  and 
night  that  His  Holiness  the  promised  one  might  appear.  Why  did 
they  reject  him  when  he  did  appear  ?  They  denied  him  absolutely ; 
refused  to  believe  in  him.  There  was  no  abuse  and  persecution 
which  they  did  not  heap  upon  him.  They  reviled  him  with  curses, 
placed  a  crown  of  thorns  upon  his  head,  led  him  through  the  streets 
in  scorn  and  derision  and  finally  crucified  him.  Why  did  they  do 
this?  Because  they  did  not  investigate  the  truth  or  reality  of 
Christ  and  were  not  able  to  recognize  him  as  the  Messiah  of  God. 
Had  they  investigated  sincerely  for  themselves  they  would  surely 
have  believed,  respected  him  and  bowed  before  him  in  reverence. 
They  would  have  considered  his  manifestation  the  greatest  be- 
stowal upon  mankind.  They  would  have  accepted  him  as  the  very 
saviour  of  man ;  but  alas !  they  were  veiled,  they  held  to  imita- 
tions of  ancestral  beliefs  and  hearsay  and  did  not  investigate  the 
truth  of  Christ.  They  were  submerged  in  the  sea  of  supersititions 
and  were  therefore  deprived  of  witnessing  that  glorious  bounty; 
withheld  from  the  fragrances  or  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
suffered  in  themselves  the  greatest  debasement  and  degradation. 

Reality  or  truth  is  one,  yet  there  are  many  religious  beliefs, 
denominations,  creeds  and  differing  opinions  in  the  world  today. 
Why  should  these  differences  exist?  Because  they  do  not  investi- 
gate and  examine  the  fundamental  unity  which  is  one  and  un- 
changeable. If  they  seek  tlio  reality  itself  they  will  agree  and  be 
united ;  for  reality  is  indivisil)le  and  not  multiple.     It  is  evident 


60       THE  PllOMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

therefore  that  there  is  nothing  of  greater  importance  to  mankind 
than  the  investigation  of  truth. 

The  second  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  oneness  of  the  world 
of  humanity.  Every  human  creature  is  the  servant  of  God.  All 
have  been  created  and  reared  by  the  power  and  favor  of  God;  all 
have  been  blessed  with  the  bounties  of  the  same  Sun  of  divine  truth ; 
all  have  quaffed  from  the  fountain  of  the  infinite  mercy  of  God; 
and  all  in  his  estimation  and  love  are  equal  as  servants.  He  is 
beneficent  and  kind  to  all.  Therefore  no  one  should  glorify  himself 
over  another ;  no  one  should  manifest  pride  or  superiority  toward 
another ;  no  one  should  look  upon  another  with  scorn  and  contempt 
and  no  one  should  deprive  or  oppress  a  fellow-creature.  All  must 
be  considered  as  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  God's  mercy.  We  must 
associate  with  all  humanity  in  gentleness  and  kindliness.  We  must 
love  all  with  love  of  the  heart.  Some  are  ignorant;  they  must  be 
trained  and  educated.  One  is  sick;  he  must  be  healed.  Another 
is  as  a  child ;  we  must  assist  him  to  attain  maturity.  We  must  not 
detest  him  who  is  ailing,  neither  shun  him,  scorn  nor  curse  him; 
but  care  for  him  with  the  utmost  kindness  and  tenderness.  An  in- 
fant must  not  be  treated  with  disdain  simply  because  it  is  an  in- 
fant. Our  responsibility  is  to  train,  educate  and  develop  it  in  order 
that  it  may  advance  toward  maturity. 

The  third  teaching  or  principle  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  that  religion 
and  science  are  in  complete  agreement.  Every  religion  which  is 
not  in  accordance  with  established  science  is  superstition.  Religion 
must  be  reasonable.  If  it  does  not  square  with  reason  it  is  super- 
stition and  without  foundation.  It  is  like  a  mirage  which  deceives 
man  by  leading  him  to  think  it  is  a  body  of  water.  God  has  en- 
dowed man  with  reason  that  he  may  perceive  what  is  true.  If  we 
insist  that  such  and  such  a  subject  is  not  to  be  reasoned  out  and 
tested  according  to  the  established  logical  modes  of  the  intellect, 
what  is  the  use  of  the  reason  which  God  has  given  man  ?  The  eye 
is  the  organ  of  sense  by  which  we  view  the  world  of  outer  phenom- 
ena ;  hearing  is  the  faculty  for  distinguishing  sounds ;  taste  senses 
the  properties  of  objects,  such  as  bitter,  sweet;  smell  detects  and 
differentiates  odors ;  touch  reveals  attributes  of  matter  and  perfects 
our  communication  with  the  outer  world;  yet  after  all,  the  circle 
and  range  of  perception  by  the  five  senses  is  exceedingly  limited. 
But  the  intellectual  faculty  of  man  is  unlimited  in  its  sphere  of 
action.  The  eye  views  details  perhaps  a  mile  but  the  intellect  can 
perceive  the  far  east  and  west.  The  ear  may  hear  tone  modulations 
at  one  thousand  feet  but  the  mind  of  man  can  detect  the  harmonies 
of  the  heavenly  spheres  as  they  swing  in  their  courses.    INIind  makes 


DISCOURSES  DELiVEKED  L\   WASHINGTON  61 

geological  discoveries  in  subterranean  depths  and  determines  the 
processes  of  creation  in  earth's  lowest  strata.  The  sciences  and 
arts,  all  inventions,  crafts,  trades  and  their  products  have  come 
forth  from  the  intellect  of  man.  It  is  evident  that  within  the  or- 
ganism of  human  being  the  intellect  occupies  supreme  station. 
Therefore  if  religious  belief,  principle  or  creed  is  not  in  accordance 
with  the  intellect  and  the  power  of  reason,  it  is  surely  superstition. 
At  another  time  I  shall  speak  further  of  the  principles  revealed 
in  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  Chicago. 

Api'il  30,  1912,  at  Drill  Hall,  Masonic  Temple,  Chicago,  III. 
Public  Meeting  concluding   Convention  of  Bahai  Temple   Unity. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

AMONG  the  institutes  of  the  holy  books  is  that  of  the  foundation 
of  places  of  worship.  That  is  to  say  an  edifice  or  temple  is 
to  be  built  in  order  that  humanity  might  find  a  place  of  meeting  and 
this  is  to  be  conducive  to  unity  and  fellowship  among  them.  The 
real  temple  is  the  very  Word  of  God ;  for  to  it  all  humanity  must 
turn  and  it  is  the  center  of  unity  for  all  mankind.  It  is  the  col- 
lective center,  the  cause  of  accord  and  communion  of  hearts,  the 
sign  of  the  solidarity  of  the  human  race,  the  source  of  life  eternal. 
Temples  are  the  symbols  of  the  divine  uniting  force,  so  that  when 
the  people  gather  there  in  the  house  of  God  they  may  recall  the 
fact  that  the  law  has  been  revealed  for  them  and  that  the  law  is  to 
unite  them.  They  will  realize  that  just  as  this  temple  was  founded 
for  the  unification  of  mankind,  the  law  preceding  and  creating  it 
came  forth  in  the  manifest  Word.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  ad- 
dressing Peter,  said  "Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will 
build  my  church."  This  utterance  of  His  Holiness  was  indicative 
of  the  faith  of  Peter,  signifying — This  faith  of  thine,  0  Peter! 
is  the  very  cause  and  message  of  unity  to  the  nations;  it  shall  be 
the  bond  of  union  between  the  hearts  of  men,  and  the  foundation  of 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  In  brief,  the  original  pur- 
pose of  temples  and  houses  of  worship  is  simply  that  of  unity; 
places  of  meeting  where  various  peoples,  different  races  and  souls 
of  every  capacity  may  come  together  in  order  that  love  and  agree- 
ment should  be  manifest  between  them.  That  is  why  His  Holiness 
Baha  'IJllah  has  commanded  that  a  place  of  worship  be  built  ^or 
all  the  religionists  of  the  world;  that  all  religions,  races  and  sects 
may  come  together  within  its  universal  shelter;  that  the  proclama- 
tion of  the  oneness  of  mankind  shall  go  forth  from  its  open  courts 
of  holiness ;  the  announcement  that  humanity  is  the  servant  of  God 
and  that  all  are  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  his  mercy.  It  is  the 
Mashreq  'Ul-Azkar.  The  world  of  existence  may  be  likened  to  this 
temple  and  place  of  worship;  for  just  as  the  external  world  is  a 
place  where  the  people  of  all  races  and  colors,  var>'ing  faiths,  de- 
nominations and  conditions  come  together, — just  as  they  are  sub- 

62 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  63 

merged  in  the  same  sea  of  divine  favors,  so  likewise  all  may  meet 
under  the  dome  of  the  INIashreq  'Ul-Azkar  and  adore  the  one  God  in 
the  same  spirit  of  tnith ;  for  the  ages  of  darkness  have  passed  away 
and  the  century  of  light  has  come.  Ignorant  prejudices  are  being 
dispelled  and  the  light  of  unity  is  shining.  The  differences  existing 
between  nations  and  peoples  will  soon  be  annulled  and  the  funda- 
mentals of  the  divine  religions  which  are  no  other  than  the  one- 
ness and  solidarity  of  the  human  race  are  being  established. 
For  thousands  of  years  the  human  race  has  been  at 
war.  It  is  enough.  Now  let  mankind  for  a  time  at  least,  consort 
in  amity  and  peace.  Enmity  and  hatred  have  ruled.  Let  the 
world  for  a  period,  exercise  love.  For  thousands  of  years  the  na- 
tions have  denied  each  other,  considering  each  other  as  infidel  and 
inferior.  It  is  sufficient.  We  must  now  realize  that  we  are  the 
servants  of  one  God,  that  we  turn  to  one  beneficent  father,  live 
under  one  divine  law,  seek  one  reality  and  have  one  desire.  Thus 
may  we  live  in  the  utmost  friendship  and  love,  and  in  return  the 
favors  and  bounties  of  God  shall  surround  us,  the  world  of  humanity 
will  be  reformed,  mankind  enjoy  a  new  life,  eternal  light  will 
illumine  and  heavenly  moralities  become  manifest. 

Then  divine  policy  shall  govern  the  world ;  for  the  divine  policy 
is  the  oneness  of  humanity.  God  is  just  and  kind  to  all.  He  con- 
siders all  as  his  servants.  He  excludes  none  and  his  judgments  are 
correct  and  true.  No  matter  how  complete  human  policy  and  fore- 
sight may  appear,  it  is  imperfect.  If  we  do  not  seek  the  counsel  of 
God  or  if  we  refuse  to  follow  his  dictates  it  is  presumptive  evidence 
that  we  are  knowing  and  wise  whereas  God  is  ignorant;  that  we 
are  sagacious  and  God  is  not.  God  forbid!  We  seek  shelter  in  his 
mercy  for  this  suggestion !  No  matter  how  far  the  human  intel- 
ligence may  advance,  it  is  still  but  a  drop  while  divine  omniscience 
is  the  ocean.  Shall  we  say  that  a  drop  is  imbued  or  endowed  with 
qualities  of  which  the  ocean  is  devoid?  Shall  we  believe  that  the 
policy  and  plan  of  this  atom  of  a  human  soul  are  superior  to  the 
wisdom  of  the  omniscient?  There  is  no  greater  ignorance  than 
this.  Briefly;  some  are  mere  children;  Math  the  utmost  love  we 
must  educate  them  to  make  them  wise.  Others  are  sick  and  ailing ; 
we  must  tenderly  treat  them  until  they  recover.  Some  have  un- 
worthy morals;  we  must  train  them  toward  the  standard  of  true 
morality.  Other  than  this  we  are  all  the  servants  of  one  God 
and  under  the  providence  and  protection  of  one  father. 

These  are  the  institutions  of  God  and  the  foundations  of  his 
temple  the  ^Nlashreq  'Ul-Azkar.  The  outer  edifice  is  a  symbol  of  the 
inner.    May  the  people  be  admonished  thereby. 


64       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

I  pray  in  your  behalf  that  your  hearts  may  be  enlightened  with 
the  light  of  the  love  of  God;  that  your  minds  may  develop  daily; 
that  your  spirits  may  become  aglow  with  the  fire  and  illumination 
of  his  glad-tidings,  until  these  divine  foundations  may  become  es- 
tablished throughout  the  human  world.  The  first  of  these  institu- 
tions and  foundations  is  the  oneness  of  humanity  and  love  among 
mankind.  The  second  is  the  "Most  Great  Peace."  Praise  be  to 
God!  this  American  democracy  manifests  capacity,  showing  forth 
readiness  to  become  the  standard  bearer  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace." 
May  its  hosts  be  the  hosts  of  the  oneness  of  humanity.  May  they 
serve  the  threshold  of  God  and  spread  the  message  of  the  good- 
pleasure  of  God. 

0  thou  kind  Lord!  This  gathering  is  turning  to  thee.  These 
hearts  are  radiant  with  thy  love.  These  minds  and  spirits  are  ex- 
hilarated by  the  message  of  thy  glad-tidings.  0  God!  Let  this 
American  democracy  become  glorious  in  spiritual  degrees  even  as 
it  has  aspired  to  material  degrees,  and  render  this  just  government 
\'ictorious.  Confirm  this  revered  nation  to  upraise  the  standard  of 
the  oneness  of  humanity,  to  promulgate  the  "Most  Great  Peace," 
to  become  thereby  most  glorious  and  praiseworthy  among  all  the 
nations  of  the  world.  0  God !  This  American  nation  is  worthy  of 
thy  favors  and  is  deserving  of  thy  mercy.  Make  it  precious  and 
near  to  thee  through  thy  bounty  and  bestowal. 

II 

April  30,  1912,  at  Hull  House,  Chicago,  HI. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

WHEN  we  view  the  world  of  creation,  we  find  that  all  living 
things  may  be  classified  under  two  aspects  of  existence :  First, 
they  possess  bodies  composed  of  material  substance  common  to  all 
whether  vegetable,  animal  or  human.  This  is  their  point  of  agree- 
ment or  as  it  is  philosophically  termed,  their  point  of  contact. 
Secondly,  they  vaiy  and  differ  from  each  other  in  degree  and  func- 
tion ;  that  is  to  say  in  their  respective  kingdoms.  This  is  their  point 
of  distinction  and  differentiation.  For  instance,  the  vegetable  and 
animal  are  alike  in  the  fact  that  their  bodies  are  composed  of  the 
same  material  elements;  but  widely  different  in  their  kingdoms 
and  powers.  INIan  is  like  the  animal  in  physical  structure  but 
otherwise  immeasurably  separated  and  superior. 

In  the  human  kingdom  itself  there  are  points  of  contact,  prop- 


DISCOURSES  DELIVEKKI)   IX  CHICAGO  65 

ertics  common  to  all  mankind ;  likewise  points  of  distinction  which 
separate  race  from  race,  individual  from  individual.  If  the  points 
of  contact  which  are  the  common  properties  of  humanity  overcome 
the  peculiar  points  of  distinction,  unity  is  assured.  On  the  other 
hand  if  the  points  of  differentiation  overcome  the  points  of  agree- 
ment, disunion  and  weakness  result.  One  of  the  important  ques- 
tions which  affect  the  unity  and  solidarity  of  humankind  is  the 
fellowship  and  equality  of  the  white  and  colored  races.  Between 
these  two  races  certain  points  of  agreement  and  points  of  distinction 
exist  which  warrant  just  and  mutual  consideration.  The  points  of 
contact  are  many ;  for  in  the  material  or  phj-sical  plane  of  being, 
both  are  constituted  alike  and  exist  under  the  same  law  of  growth 
and  bodily  development.  Furthermore  both  live  and  move  in  the 
plane  of  the  senses  and  are  endowed  with  human  intelligence. 
There  are  many  other  mutual  qualifications.  In  this  country,  the 
United  States  of  America,  patriotism  is  connnon  to  both  races; 
all  have  equal  rights  to  citizenship,  speak  one  language,  receive 
the  blessings  of  the  same  civilization  and  follow  the  precepts  of 
the  same  religion.  In  fact  numerous  points  of  partnership  and 
agreement  exist  between  the  two  races;  whereas  the  one  point  of 
distinction  is  that  of  color.  Shall  this,  the  least  of  all  distinctions 
be  allowed  to  separate  you  as  races  and  individuals?  In  physical 
bodies,  in  the  law  of  growth,  sense  endowment,  intelligence,  patriot- 
ism, language,  citizenship,  civilization  and  religion  you  are  one 
and  the  same.  A  single  point  of  distinction  exists;  that  of  racial 
color.  God  is  not  pleased  with,  neither  should  any  reasonable  or 
intelligent  man  be  willing  to  recognize  inequality  in  the  races  be- 
cause of  this  distinction. 

But  there  is  need  of  a  superior  power  to  overcome  human  pre- 
judices ;  a  power  which  nothing  in  the  world  of  mankind  can  with- 
stand and  which  will  overshadow  the  effect  of  all  other  forces  at 
work  in  human  conditions.  That  irresistible  power  is  the  love  of 
God.  It  is  my  hope  and  prayer  that  it  may  destroy  the  prejudice 
of  this  one  point  of  distinction  between  you  and  unite  you  all  per- 
manently undei'  its  hallowed  protection.  His  Holiness  Bah.v  'Ullah 
has  proclaimed  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  He  has 
caused  various  nations  and  divergent  creeds  to  unite.  He  has 
declared  that  difference  of  race  and  color  is  like  the  variegated 
beauty  of  flowers  in  a  garden.  If  you  enter  a  garden,  you  will  see 
yellow,  white,  blue,  red  flowers  in  profusion  and  beauty;  eash 
radiant  within  itself  and  although  different  from  the  others,  lend- 
ing its  own  charm  to  them.     Racial  difference  in  the  human  king- 


's 


66       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

dom  is  similar.    If  all  the  flowers  in  a  garden  were  of  the  same 
color,  the  effect  would  be  monotonous  and  wearying  to  the  eye. 

Therefore  Baha  'Ullah  has  said  that  the  various  races  of  hu- 
man kind  lend  a  composite  harmony  and  beauty  of  color  to  the 
whole.  Let  all  associate  then  in  this  great  human  garden  even  as 
flowers  grow  and  blend  together  side  by  side  without  discord  or 
disagreement  among  them. 

Ill 

April  30,  1912,  at  Handel  Hall,  Chicago,  lU. 

Fourth  Anmuil  Conference  of  the  National  Association  for  the 

Advancement  of  Colored  People. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

ACCORDING  to  the  words  of  the  old  testament,  God  has  said 
"Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  after  our  likeness."  This 
indicates  that  man  is  of  the  image  and  likeness  of  God;  that  is  to 
say,  the  perfections  of  God,  the  divine  virtues  are  reflected  or  re- 
vealed in  the  human  reality.  Just  as  the  light  and  effulgence  of 
the  sun  when  cast  upon  a  polished  mirror  are  reflected  fully,  glori- 
ously, so  likewise  the  qualities  and  attributes  of  divinity  are  radi- 
ated from  the  depths  of  a  pure  human  heart.  This  is  an  evidence 
that  man  is  the  most  noble  of  God's  creatures. 

Each  kingdom  of  creation  is  endowed  with  its  necessary  comple- 
ment of  attributes  and  powers.  The  mineral  possesses  inherent 
virtues  of  its  own  kingdom  in  the  scale  of  existence.  The  vegetable 
possesses  the  qualities  of  the  mineral  plus  a  virtue  augmentative  or 
power  of  growth.  The  animal  is  endowed  with  the  virtues  of  both 
the  mineral  and  vegetable  plane  plus  the  power  of  intellect.  The 
human  kingdom  is  replete  with  the  perfections  of  all  the  kingdoms 
below  it,  with  the  addition  of  powers  peculiar  to  man  alone.  Man 
is  therefore  superior  to  all  the  creatures  below  him,  the  loftiest  and 
most  glorious  being  of  creation.  Man  is  the  microcosm,  and  the  in- 
finite universe  the  macrocosm.  The  mysteries  of  the  greater  world 
or  macrocosm  are  expressed  or  revealed  in  the  lesser  world,  the 
microcosm.  The  tree,  so  to  speak,  is  the  greater  world,  and  the 
seed  in  its  relation  to  the  tree  is  the  lesser  world.  But  the  whole 
of  the  great  tree  is  potentially  latent  and  hidden  in  the  little  seed. 
When  this  seed  is  planted  and  cultivated,  the  tree  is  revealed. 
Likewise  the  greater  world,  the  macrocosm  is  latent  and  miniatured 
in  the  lesser  world  or  microcosm  of  man.  This  constitutes  the  uni- 
versality or  perfection  of  virtues  potential  in  mankind.    Therefore 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  67 

it  is  said  that  man  has  been  created  in  the  image  and  likeness  of 
God. 

Let  us  now  discover  more  specifically  how  he  is  the  image  and 
likeness  of  God  and  what  is  the  standard  or  criterion  by  which  he 
can  be  measured  and  estimated.  This  standard  can  be  no  other 
than  the  divine  virtues  which  are  revealed  in  him.  Therefore  every 
man  imbued  with  divine  qualities,  who  reflects  heavenly  moralities 
and  perfections,  who  is  the  expression  of  ideal  and  praiseworthy 
attributes,  is  verily  in  the  image  and  likeness  of  God.  If  a  man 
possesses  wealth  can  we  call  him  an  image  and  likeness  of  God? 
Or  is  human  honor  and  notoriety  the  criterion  of  divine  nearness? 
Can  we  apply  the  test  of  racial  color  and  say  that  man  of  a  certain 
hue — white,  black,  brown,  yellow,  red — is  the  true  image  of  his 
creator?  We  must  conclude  that  color  is  not  the  standard  and 
estimate  of  judgment  and  that  it  is  of  no  importance,  for  color 
is  accidental  in  nature.  The  spirit  and  intelligence  of  man  is  the 
essential ;  and  that  is  the  manifestation  of  divine  virtues,  the  merci- 
ful bestowals  of  God,  the  life  eternal  and  baptism  through  the  Holy 
Spirit.  Therefore  be  it  known  that  color  or  race  is  of  no  im- 
portance. He  who  is  the  image  and  likeness  of  God,  who  is  the 
manifestation  of  the  bestowals  of  God,  is  acceptable  at  the  threshold 
of  God  whether  his  color  be  white,  black  or  brown ;  it  matters  not. 
Man  is  not  man  simply  because  of  bodily  attributes.  The  standard 
of  divine  measure  and  judgment  is  his  intelligence  and  spirit. 

Therefore  let  this  be  the  only  criterion  and  estimate ;  for  this 
is  the  image  and  likeness  of  God.  A  man's  heart  may  be  pure  and 
white  though  his  outer  skin  be  black ;  or  his  heart  be  dark  and  sin- 
ful though  his  racial  color  is  white.  The  character  and  purity  of 
the  heart  is  of  all  importance.  The  heart  illumined  by  the  light 
of  God  is  nearest  and  dearest  to  God;  and  inasmuch  as  God  has 
endowed  man  with  such  favor  that  he  is  called  the  image  of  God, 
this  is  truly  a  supreme  perfection  of  attainment,  a  divine  station 
which  is  not  to  be  sacrificed  by  the  mere  accident  of  color. 

IV 

3Iatj  1,  1912,  at  Chicago,  111. 
Dedication  of  the  3Iashreq  'Ul-Azkar  Grounds 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

THE  power  which  has  gathered  you  here  today  notwithstanding 
the  cold  and  windy  weather  is  indeed  mighty  and  wonderful. 
It  is  the  power  of  God,  the  divine  favor  of  Baha  'Ullah  which  has 


68       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVEESAL  PEACE 

drawn  you  together.  We  praise  God  that  through  his  constraining 
love  human  souls  are  assembled  and  associated  in  this  way. 

Thousands  of  Mashreq  'Ul-Azkars,  dawning-points  of  praise  and 
mentionings  of  God  for  all  religionists  will  be  built  in  the 
Orient  and  Occident,  but  this  being  the  first  one  erected  in  the 
Occident  has  great  importance.  In  the  future  there  will  be  many 
here  and  elsewhere;  in  Asia,  Europe,  even  in  Africa,  New  Zealand 
and  Australia;  but  this  edifice  in  Chicago  is  of  especial  significance. 
It  has  the  same  importance  as  the  ]\Iashreq  'Ul-Azkar  in  Ishkabad, 
Caucasus  Russia,  the  first  one  built  there.  In  Persia  there  are  many ; 
some  are  houses  which  have  been  utilized  for  the  purpose,  others 
are  homes  entirely  devoted  to  the  divine  cause,  and  in  some  places 
temporary  structures  have  been  erected.  In  all  the  cities  of  Persia 
there  are  Mashreq  'Ul-Azkars  but  the  great  "  dawning-point "  was 
founded  in  Ishkabad.  It  possesses  superlative  importance  because 
it  was  the  first  IMashreq  'Ul-Azkar  built.  All  the  Bahai  friends 
agreed  and  contributed  their  utmost  assistance  and  effort.  His 
Holiness  the  Afnan  devoted  his  wealth,  gave  all  he  had  to  it.  From 
such  a  mighty  and  combined  effort  a  beautiful  edifice  arose.  Not- 
withstanding their  contributions  to  that  building,  they  have  assisted 
the  fund  here  in  Chicago  as  well.  The  IMashreq  'Ul-Azkar  in  Ish- 
kabad is  almost  completed.  It  is  centrally  located;  nine  avenues 
leading  into  it ;  nine  gardens,  nine  fountains ;  all  the  arrangement 
and  construction  is  according  to  the  principle  and  proportion  of  the 
number  nine.  It  is  like  a  beautiful  bouquet.  Imagine  a  very  lofty, 
imposing  edifice  surrounded  completely  by  gardens  of  variegated 
flowers,  with  nine  avenues  leading  through  them,  nine  fountains 
and  pools  of  water.  Such  is  its  matchless,  beautiful  design.  Now 
they  are  building  a  hospital,  a  school  for  orphans,  a  home  for  crip- 
ples, a  hospice  and  a  large  dispensary.  God  willing,  when  it  is  fully 
completed  it  will  be  a  paradise. 

I  hope  the  IMashreq  'Ul-Azkar  in  Chicago  will  be  like  this.  En- 
deavor to  have  the  grounds  circular  in  shape.  If  possible,  adjust 
and  exchange  the  plots  in  order  to  make  the  dimensions  and  boun- 
daries circular.  The  Mashreq  'Ul-Azkar  could  not  be  triangular  in 
shape.    It  must  be  in  the  form  of  a  circle. 

V 

31  ay  2,  1912,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

IN  this  cause,  consultation  is  of  vital  importance;  but  spiritual 
conference  and  not  the  mere  voicing  of  personal  views  is  in- 
tended.    In  France   I  was  present  at  a  session  of  the  senate   but 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED   IN  CHICAGO  69 

the  experience  was  not  impressive.  Parliamentary  procedure  should 
have  for  its  object  the  attainment  of  the  light  of  truth  upon  ques- 
tions presented  and  not  furnish  a  battle  ground  for  opposition  and 
self-opinion.  Antagonism  and  contradiction  arc  unfortunate  and 
always  destructive  to  truth.  In  the  parliamentary  meeting  men- 
tioned, altercation  and  useless  quibbling  were  frequent;  the  result 
mostly  confusion  and  turmoil ;  even  in  one  instance  a  physical  en- 
counter took  place  between  two  members.  It  was  not  consultation 
but  comedy. 

The  purpose  is  to  emphasize  the  statement  that  consultation 
must  have  for  its  object  the  investigation  of  truth.  He  who  ex- 
presses an  opinion  should  not  voice  it  as  correct  and  right  but  set 
it  forth  as  a  contribution  to  the  consensus  of  opinion ;  for  the  light 
of  reality  becomes  apparent  when  two  opiiiions  coincide.  A  spark 
is  produced  when  flint  and  steel  come  together.  ]\Ian  should  weigh 
his  opinions  with  the  utmost  serenity,  calmness  and  composure. 
Before  expressing  his  own  views  he  should  carefully  consider  the 
views  already  advanced  by  others.  If  he  finds  that  a  previously 
expressed  opinion  is  more  true  and  worthy,  he  should  accept  it 
immediately  and  not  wilfully  hold  to  an  opinion  of  his  own.  By 
this  excellent  method  he  endeavors  to  arrive  at  unity  and  truth. 
Opposition  and  division  are  deplorable.  It  is  better  then  to  have 
the  opinion  of  a  wise,  sagacious  man ;  otherwise  contradiction  and 
altercation  in  which  varied  and  divergent  views  are  presented  will 
make  it  necessary  for  a  judicial  body  to  render  decision  upon  the 
question.  Even  a  majority  opinion  or  consensus  may  be  incorrect. 
A  thousand  people  may  hold  to  one  view  and  be  mistaken  whereas 
one  sagacious  person  may  be  right.  Therefore  trae  consultation 
is  spiritual  conference  in  the  attitude  and  atmosphere  of  love.  ]\Iem- 
bcrs  must  love  each  other  in  the  spirit  of  fellowship  in  order  that 
good  results  may  be  forthcoming.  Love  and  fellowship  are  the 
foundation. 

The  most  memorable  instance  of  spiritual  consultation  was  the 
meeting  of  the  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ  upon  the  mount  after 
his  ascension.  They  said  "His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  has  been 
crucified  and  we  have  no  longer  association  and  intercourse  witli 
him  in  his  physical  body ;  therefore  we  must  be  loyal  and  faithful  to 
him,  we  must  be  grateful  and  appreciate  him,  for  he  has  raised  us 
from  the  dead,  he  made  us  wise,  he  has  given  us  eternal  life,  "What 
shall  we  do  to  be  faithful  to  him?"  And  so  they  held  council. 
One  of  them  said  "We  must  detach  ourselves  from  the  chains  and 
fetters  of  the  world;  otherwise  we  cannot  be  faithful."    The  others 


70       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

replied  "That  is  so."  Another  said  "Either  we  must  be  married 
and  faithful  to  our  wives  and  children  or  serve  our  Lord  free  from 
these  ties.  We  cannot  be  occupied  with  the  care  and  provision  for 
families  and  at  the  same  time  herald  the  kingdom  in  the  wilder- 
ness. Therefore  let  those  who  are  unmarried  remain  so,  and  those 
who  have  married  provide  means  of  sustenance  and  comfort  for 
their  families  and  then  go  forth  to  spread  the  message  of  glad- 
tidings."  There  were  no  dissenting  voices;  all  agreed,  saying 
"That  is  right."  A  third  disciple  said  "To  perform  Worthy  deeds 
in  the  kingdom  we  must  be  further  self-sacrificing.  From  now  on 
we  should  forego  ease  and  bodily  comfort,  accept  every  difficulty, 
forget  self  and  teach  the  cause  of  God."  This  found  acceptance 
and  approval  by  all  the  others.  Finally  a  fourth  disciple  said 
"There  is  still  another  aspect  to  our  faith  and  unity.  For 
Jesus'  sake  we  shall  be  beaten,  imprisoned  and  exiled.  They  may 
kill  us.  Let  us  receive  this  lesson  now.  Let  us  realize  and  resolve 
that  though  we  are  beaten,  banished,  cursed,  spat  upon  and  led  forth 
to  be  killed  we  shall  accept  all  this  joyfully,  loving  those  who  hate 
and  wound  us."  All  the  disciples  replied  "Surely  we  will, — it 
is  agreed ;  this  is  right. ' '  Then  they  descended  from  the  summit  of 
the  mountain  and  each  went  forth  in  a  different  direction  upon  his 
divine  mission. 

This  was  true  consultation.  This  was  spiritual  consultation  and 
not  the  mere  voicing  of  personal  views  in  parliamentary  opposition 
and  debate. 


VI 

May  3,  1912,  at  Hotel  La  Salle,  Chicago,  III. 
Federation  of  Women's  Clubs. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

ONE  of  the  functions  of  the  sun  is  to  quicken  and  reveal  the 
hidden  realities  of  the  kingdoms  of  existence.  Through  the 
light  and  heat  of  the  great  central  luminary,  all  that  is  potential  in 
the  earth  is  awakened  and  comes  forth  into  the  realm  of  the  visible. 
The  fruit  hidden  in  the  tree  appears  upon  its  branches  in  response 
to  the  power  of  the  sun ;  man  and  all  other  organisms  live,  move  and 
have  their  being  under  its  developing  rays;  nature  is  resplendent 
with  countless  evolutionary  forms  through  its  pervading  impulse; 
so  that  we  can  say  a  function  of  the  sun  is  the  revelation  of  the 
mysteries  and  creative  purposes  hidden  within  the  phenomenal 
world. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  71 

The  outer  sun  is  a  sign  or  symbol  of  the  inner  and  ideal  Sim 
of  Tnith,  the  Word  of  God.  Inasmuch  as  this  is  the  century  of 
light,  it  is  evident  that  the  Sun  of  Reality,  the  Word  has  revealed 
itself  to  all  humankind.  One  of  the  potentialities  hidden  in  the 
realm  of  humanity  was  the  capability  or  capacity  of  womanhood. 
Through  the  effulgent  rays  of  divine  illumination,  the  capacity  of 
woman  has  become  so  awakened  and  manifest  in  this  age  that 
equality  of  man  and  woman  is  an  established  fact.  In  past  ages 
woman  was  wronged  and  oppressed.  This  was  especially  the  case 
in  Asia  and  Africa.  In  certain  parts  of  Asia  women  were  not  con- 
sidered as  members  of  human  kind.  They  were  looked  upon  as 
inferior  unworthy  creatures  subordinate  and  subjective  to  man. 
A  certain  people  known  as  the  Nuseyrians  held  to  the  belief  for  a 
long  period  that  woman  was  the  incarnation  of  the  evil  spirit  or 
satan,  and  that  man  alone  was  the  manifestation  of  God  the 
merciful.  At  last  this  century  of  light  dawned,  the  realities  shone 
forth  and  the  mysteries  long  hidden  from  human  vision  were  re- 
vealed. Among  these  revealed  realities  was  the  great  principle  of 
the  equality  of  man  and  woman  which  is  now  finding  recognition 
throughout  the  whole  world, — America,  Europe  and  the  Orient. 

History  records  the  appearance  in  the  world,  of  women  who  have 
been  signs  of  guidance,  power  and  accomplishment.  Some  were 
notable  poets,  some  philosophers  and  scientists,  others  courageous 
upon  the  field  of  battle.  Kurratu-1-Ayn  a  Bahai,  was  a  poetess. 
She  discomfited  the  learned  men  of  Persia  by  her  brilliancy  and 
fervor.  When  she  entered  a  meeting  even  the  learned  were  silent. 
She  was  so  well  versed  in  philosophy  and  science  that  those  in  her 
presence  always  considered  and  consulted  her  first.  Her  courage 
was  unparalleled ;  she  faced  her  enemies  fearlessly  until  she  was 
killed.  She  withstood  a  despotic  king,  the  Shah  of  Persia  who  had 
the  power  to  decree  the  death  of  any  of  his  subjects.  There  was 
not  a  day  during  which  he  did  not  command  the  execution  of  some. 
This  woman  singly  and  alone  withstood  such  a  despot  until  her  last 
breath ;  then  gave  her  life  for  her  faith. 

Consider  the  mysteries  revealed  during  the  last  half  century ;  all 
due  to  the  effulgence  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  which  has  been  so  glori- 
ously manifested  in  this  age  and  cycle.  In  this  day,  man  must  inves- 
tigate the  reality  impartially  and  without  prejudice  in  order  to  reach 
the  true  knowledge  and  conclusion.  What  then  constitutes  the  in- 
equality between  man  and  woman?  Both  are  human.  In  powers 
and  function  each  is  the  complement  of  the  other.  At  most  it  is 
this, — that  woman  has  been  denied  the  opportunities  w^hich  man 


72       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

has  so  long  enjoyed,  especially  the  privilege  of  education.  But 
even  this  is  not  always  a  shortcoming.  Shall  we  consider  it  an 
imperfection  and  weakness  in  her  nature  that  she  is  not  proficient 
in  the  school  of  military  tactics,  that  she  cannot  go  forth  to  the  field 
of  battle  and  kill,  that  she  is  not  able  to  handle  a  deadly  Aveapon? 
Nay,  rather,  is  it  not  a  compliment  when  we  say  that  in  hardness 
of  heart  and  cruelty  she  is  inferior  to  man?  The  woman  who  is 
asked  to  arm  herself  and  kill  her  fellow-creatures  will  say  "I  can- 
not." Is  this  to  be  considered  a  fault  and  lack  of  qualification  as 
man's  equal?  Yet  be  it  known  that  if  woman  had  been  taught 
and  trained  in  the  military  science  of  slaughter  she  would  have 
been  the  equivalent  of  man  even  in  this  accomplishment.  But  God 
forbid !  May  woman  never  attain  this  proficiency ;  may  she  never 
wield  weapons  of  war;  for  the  destruction  of  humanity  is  not  a 
glorious  achievement.  The  upbuilding  of  a  home,  the  bringing  of 
joy  and  comfort  into  human  hearts  are  truly  glories  of  mankind. 
Let  not  a  man  glory  in  this, — that  he  can  kill  his  fellow-creatures ; 
nay,  rather,  let  him  glory  in  this,  that  he  can  love  them. 

"When  we  consider  the  kingdoms  of  existence  below  man  we 
find  no  distinction  or  estimate  of  superiority  and  inferiority  male 
and  female.  Among  the  myriad  organisms  of  the  vegetable  and 
animal  kingdoms,  sex  exists  but  there  is  no  differentiation  whatever 
as  to  relative  importance  and  value  in  the  equation  of  life.  If  we 
investigate  impartially  we  may  even  find  species  in  which  the 
female  is  superior  or  preferable  to  the  male.  For  instance,  there  are 
trees  such  as  the  fig,  the  male  of  which  is  fruitless  while  the  female 
is  fruitful.  The  male  of  the  date  palm  is  valueless  while  the  female 
bears  abundantly.  Inasmuch  as  we  find  no  gi'ound  for  distinction 
or  superiority  according  to  the  creative  wisdom  in  the  lower  king- 
doms, is  it  logical  or  becoming  of  man  to  make  such  distinction  in 
regard  to  himself  ?  The  male  of  the  animal  kingdom  does  not  glory 
in  its  being  male  and  superior  to  the  female.  In  fact  equality 
exists  and  is  recognized.  Why  should  man,  a  higher  and  more  in- 
telligent creature  deny  and  deprive  himself  of  this  equality  the 
animals  enjoy?  His  surest  index  and  guide  as  to  the  creative  in- 
tention concerning  himself  are  the  conditions  and  analogies  of  the 
kingdoms  below  him  where  equality  of  the  sexes  is  fundamental. 

The  truth  is  that  all  mankind  are  the  creatures  and  servants 
of  one  God,  and  in  his  estimate  all  are  human.  **]\Ian"  is  a  gen- 
eric term  applying  to  all  humanity.  The  biblical  statement  "Let 
us  make  man  in  our  image;  after  our  likeness"  does  not  mean 
that  woman  was  not  created.    The  "image"  and  "likeness"  of  God 


DISCOURSES  DELIVKRED  IN  CHICAGO  73 

applies  to  her  as  well.  In  Persian  and  Arabic  there  are  two  distinct 
words  translated  "man"  into  English;  one  meaning  man  and 
woman  colleetively,  the  other  distingnisliino-  man  as  male  from 
woman  the  female.  The  fiist  word  and  its  pi'onoun  are  generic, 
collective;  the  other  is  restricted  to  the  male.  Tliis  is  the  same  in 
Hebrew. 

To  accept  and  observe  a  distinction  which  God  has  not  intended 
in  creation,  is  ignorance  and  superstition.  The  fact  which  is  to  be 
considered  however  is  that  woman  having  formeily'been  deprived 
must  now  be  allowed  equal  opportunities  with  man  for  education 
and  training.  There  must  be  no  difference  in  their  education.  Un- 
til the  reality  of  equality  between  man  and  woman  is  fully  estab- 
lished and  attained,  the  highest  social  development  of  mankind 
is  not  possible.  Even  granted  that  woman  is  inferior  to  man  in 
some  degree  of  capacity  or  accomplishment,  this  or  any  other  dis- 
tinction would  continue  to  be  productive  of  discord  and  trouble. 
The  only  remedy  is  education,  opportunity ;  for  equality  means 
equal  qualification.  In  brief,  the  assumption  of  superiority  by  man 
will  continue  to  be  depressing  to  the  ambition  of  woman,  as  if  her 
attainment  to  equality  was  creationally  impossible;  woman's  aspira- 
tion toward  advancement  will  be  checked  by  it  and  she  will  grad- 
ually become  hopeless.  On  the  contrary,  we  must  declare  that  her 
capacity  is  equal,  even  greater  than  man's.  This  will  inspire  her 
with  hope  and  ambition  and  her  susceptibilities  for  advancement 
will  continually  increase.  She  must  not  be  told  and  taught  that 
she  is  weaker  and  inferior  in  capacity  and  qualification.  If  a  pupil 
is  told  that  his  intelligence  is  less  than  his  fellow-pupils,  it  is  a 
very  great  drawback  and  handicap  to  his  progress.  He  must  be 
encouraged  to  advance,  by  the  statement  "You  are  most  capable 
and  if  you  endeavor  you  will  attain  the  highest  degree." 

It  is  my  hope  that  the  banner  of  equality  may  be  raised  through- 
out the  five  continents  where  as  yet  it  is  not  fully  recognized  and 
established.  In  this  enlightened  world  of  the  west,  woman  has  ad- 
vanced an  immeasurable  degree  beyond  the  women  of  the  Orient. 
And  let  it  be  known  once  more  that  until  woman  and  man  recognize 
and  realize  ciiuality,  social  and  political  progress  here  or  any- 
where will  not  be  possible.  For  the  world  of  humanity  consists  of 
two  parts  or  members ;  one  is  woman,  the  other  is  man.  Until  these 
two  members  are  equal  in  strength,  the  oneness  of  humanity  cannot 
be  established  and  the  happiness  and  felicity  of  mankind  will  not 
be  a  reality.    God  willing,  this  is  to  be  so. 


74       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

VII 

May  2,  1912,  at  Hotel  La  Salle,  Chicago,  III. 
Bahai  Women's  Reception. 

Notes  by  Joseph  H.  Hannen 

WHEN  we  look  upon  the  kingdoms  of  creation  below  man   we 
find  three  forms  or  planes  of  existence  which  await  education 
and  development.     For  instance,  the  function  of  a  gardener  is  to 
till  the  soil  of  the  mineral  kingdom  and  plant  a  tree  which  under 
his  training  and  cultivation  will  attain  perfection  of  growth.    If  it 
be  wild  and  fruitless  it  may  be  made  fruitful  and  prolific  by 
grafting.     If  small  and  unsightly  it  will  become  lofty,  beautiful 
and  verdant  under  the  gardener's  training    whereas  a  tree  bereft 
of  his  cultivation,   retrogresses  daily,  its  fruit  grows  acrid   and 
bitter  as  the  trees  of  the  jungle   or  it  may  become  entirely  barren 
and  bereft  of  its  fruitage.    Likewise  we  observe  that  animals  which 
have  undergone  training  in  their  sphere  of  limitation  will  pro- 
gress and  advance  unmistakably,  become  more  beautiful  in  appear- 
ance and  increase  in  intelligence.     For  instance,  how  intelligent 
and  knowing  the  Arabian  horse  has  become  through  training ;  even 
how  polite  this  horse  has  become  through  education.     As  to  the 
human  world,  it  is  more  in  need  of  guidance  and  education  than 
the  lower  creatures.     Reflect  upon  the  vast  difference  between  the 
inhabitants  of  Africa  and  those  of  America.    Here  the  people  have 
been  civilized  and  uplifted ;  there  they  are  in  the  utmost  and  abject 
state  of  savagery.     What  is  the  cause  of  their  savagery  and  the 
reason  of  your  civilization?     It  is  evident  that  this  difference  is 
due  to  education  and  the  lack  of  education.     Consider  then  the 
effectiveness  of  education  in  the  human  kingdom.     It  makes  the 
ignorant  wise,  the  tyrant  merciful,  the  blind  seeing,  the  deaf  at- 
tentive, even  the  imbecile  intelligent.     How  vast  this  difference. 
How  wide  the  chasm  which  separates  the  educated  man  from  the 
man  who  lacks  teaching  and  training.    This  is  the  effect  when  the 
teacher  is  merely  an  ordinary  teacher. 

But  praise  be  to  God!  your  teacher  and  instructor  is  Baha 
'Ullah.  He  is  the  educator  of  the  Orient  and  Occident.  He  is 
the  teacher  of  the  very  world  of  divinity  and  spirituality,  the  Sun 
of  Truth,  the  Word  of  God.  The  lights  of  his  education  are  radiat- 
ing even  as  the  sun.  See  what  it  has  accomplished ;  how  it  is  devel- 
oping all  humanity,  so  that  I,  a  Persian,  have  come  to  this  meeting 
of  revered  souls  upon  the  American  continent  and  am  standing 
here  expounding  to  you  in  the  greatest  love.    This  is  through  the 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  75 

training  of  Baha  'Ullah  which  can  unite  and  has  united  these 
hearts.  In  this  way  it  has  enlightened  the  world.  Even  so  it  has 
breathed  the  spirit  of  God  into  men.  Even  so  it  has  resuscitated  the 
hearts  of  men. 

Therefore  Praise  be  to  God !  that  you  have  been  brought  under 
the  education  of  this  one  who  is  the  very  Sun  of  Reality  and  who  is 
shining  resplendently  upon  all  humankind  endowing  all  with  a 
life  that  is  everlasting. 

Praise  be  to  God  a  thousand  times ! 


VIII 

3Iay  2,  1912,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Marzleh  Moss 

THIS  morning  the  city  is  enveloped  in  fog  and  mist.  How 
beautiful  is  a  city  brilliant  with  sunshine.  Just  as  these 
mists  and  vapors  conceal  the  phenomenal  sun,  so  human  imagina- 
tions obscure  the  Sun  of  Truth.  Consider  the  radiant  glory  of  the 
great  solar  center  of  our  planetary  system;  how  wonderful  the 
sight ;  how  its  splendor  illumines  vision  until  clouds  and  mists  veil 
it  from  the  eye.  In  the  same  way  the  Sun  of  Truth  becomes  veiled 
and  hidden  by  the  superstitions  and  imaginations  of  human  minds. 
When  the  sun  rises,  no  matter  from  what  dawning-point  on  the 
horizon  it  appears,  northeast,  east,  southeast,  the  haze  and  mists 
disperse  and  we  have  clear  vision  of  its  glory  mounting  to  the 
zenith.  Similarly  the  nations  have  been  directed  to  the  dawning- 
points  of  the  Sun  of  Reality,  each  to  a  particular  rising-place  from 
which  the  light  of  religion  has  become  manifest;  but  after  a  time 
the  dawning-point  has  become  the  object  of  worship  instead  of 
the  Sun  itself  which  is  ever  one  Sun  and  stationary  in  the  heavens 
of  the  divine  will.  Differences  have  arisen  because  of  this,  causing 
clouds  and  darkness  to  again  overshadow  the  glorious  luminary  of 
Reality.  When  the  mists  and  darkness  of  superstition  and  preju- 
dice are  dispersed,  all  will  see  the  Sun  aright  and  alike.  Then  will 
all  nations  become  as  one  in  its  radiance. 

Inasmuch  as  these  clouds  and  human  vapors  of  superstition 
hide  the  light  of  the  spiritual  Sun,  we  must  put  forth  our  utmost 
endeavor  to  dispel  them.  May  we  unite  in  this  and  be  enlightened 
to  accomplish  it,  for  the  Sun  Is  one  and  its  radiance  and  bounty 
universal.  All  the  inhabitants  of  earth  are  recipients  of  the 
bounty    of    the    one    phenomenal    sun     and    none    are    preferred 


7H        THP:  rRO.MULUATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

above  others;  so  likewise  all  receive  the  heavenly  bestowals 
of  the  Word  of  God;  none  are  specialized  as  favorites; 
all  are  under  its  protection  and  universal  ett'ulgence.  Human  strife 
and  religious  disagreement  complex  and  disfigure  the  simple  purity 
and  beauty  of  the  divine  cause  until  clouds  obscure  the  light  of 
reality  and  disunion  results.  Therefore  make  use  of  intelligence 
and  reason  so  that  you  may  dispel  these  dense  clouds  from  the 
horizon  of  human  hearts  and  all  hold  to  the  one  reality  of  all  the 
prophets.  It  is  most  certain  that  if  human  souls  exercise  their 
respective  reason  and  intelligence  upon  the  divine  questions,  the 
power  of  God  will  dispel  every  difficulty  and  the  eternal  realities 
will  appear  as  one  light,  one  truth,  one  love,  one  God  and  a  peace 
that  is  universal. 


IX 

May  2,  1912,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Henrietta  C.   Wagner 

WHEN  we  carefully  investigate  the  kingdoms  of  existence  and 
observe  the  phenomena  of  the  universe  about  us,  we  discover 
the  absolute  order  and  perfection  of  creation.  The  dull  minerals 
in  their  affinities,  plants  and  vegetables  with  power  of  growth, 
animals  in  their  instinct,  man  with  conscious  intellect,  and  the 
heavenly  orbs  moving  obediently  through  limitless  space  are  all 
found  subject  to  universal  law,  most  complete,  most  perfect.  That 
is  why  a  wise  philosopher  has  said  "There  is  no  greater  or  more 
perfect  system  of  creation  than  that  which  already  exists."  The 
materialists  and  atheists  declare  that  this  order  and  symmetry  is 
due  to  nature  and  its  forces;  that  composition  and  decomposition 
which  constitute  life  and  existence  are  exigencies  of  nature ;  that 
man  himself  is  an  exigency  of  nature ;  that  nature  rules  and 
governs  creation ;  and  that  all  existing  things  are  captives  of  nature. 
Let  us  consider  these  statements.  Inasmuch  as  we  find  all  phenom- 
ena subject  to  an  exact  order  and  under  control  of  universal  law. 
the  question  is  whether  this  is  due  to  nature  or  to  divine  and 
omnipotent  rule.  The  materialists  believe  that  it  is  an  exigency 
of  nature  for  the  rain  to  fall  and  unless  rain  fell  the  earth  would 
not  become  verdant.  They  reason  that  if  clouds  cause  a  downpour, 
if  the  sun  sends  forth  heat  and  light  and  the  earth  be  endowed  with 
capacity,  vegetation  must  inevitably  follow;  therefore  plant-life 
is  a  property  of  these  natural  forces  and  is  a  sign  of  nature;  just 


DISCOURSES  DELIVKKED   IN  CHICAGO  77 

as  combustion  is  the  natural  property  of  fire,  therefore  fire  burns 
and  we  cannot  conceive  of  fire  without  its  burning. 

In  reply  to  these  statements,  we  say  that  from  the  premises 
advanced  by  materialists,  the  conclusions  are  drawn  that  nature  is 
the  ruler  and  governor  of  existence  and  that  all  virtues  and  per- 
fections are  natural  exigencies  and  outcomes ;  furthermore  it  follows 
that  man  is  but  a  part  or  member  of  that  whereof  nature  is  the 
whole. 

Man  possesses  certain  virtues  of  which  nature  is  deprived.  He 
exercises  volition ;  nature  is  without  will.  For  instance,  an  exigency 
of  the  sun  is  the  giving  of  light.  It  is  controlled;  it  cannot  do 
otherwise  than  radiate  light ;  but  it  is  not  volitional.  An  exigency 
of  the  phenomenon  of  electricity  is  that  it  is  revealed  in  sparks 
and  flashes  under  certain  conditions,  but  it  cannot  voluntarily  fur- 
nish illumination.  An  exigency  or  property  of  water  is  humidity ; 
it  cannot  separate  itself  from  this  property  by  its  own  will.  Like- 
wise all  the  properties  of  nature  are  inherent  and  obedient,  not 
volitional;  therefore  it  is  philosophically  predicated  that  nature  is 
minus  volition  and  innate  perception.  In  this  statement  and  prin- 
ciple we  agree  with  the  materialists.  But  the  question  which  pre- 
sents food  for  reflection  is  this:  How  is  it  that  man  who  is  a  part 
of  the  universal  plan  is  possessed  of  certain  qualities  whereof  nature 
is  devoid?  Is  it  conceivable  that  a  drop  should  be  imbued  with 
qualities  of  which  the  ocean  is  completely  deprived?  The  drop  is 
a  part,  the  ocean  is  the  whole.  Could  there  be  a  phenomenon  of 
combustion  or  illumination  which  the  great  luminary  the  sun 
itself  did  not  manifest  ?  Is  it  possible  for  a  stone  to  possess  inherent 
properties  of  which  the  aggregate  mineral  kingdom  is  minus  ?  For 
example,  could  the  finger  nail  which  is  a  part  of  human  anatomy 
be  endowed  with  cellular  properties  of  which  the  brain  is  deprived  ? 

Man  is  intelligent,  instinctively  and  consciously  intelligent; 
nature  is  not.  IMan  is  fortified  with  memory;  nature  does  not 
possess  it.  ]\Ian  is  the  discoverer  of  the  mysteries  of  nature; 
nature  is  not  conscious  of  those  mysteries  herself.  It  is  evident 
therefore  that  man  is  dual  in  aspect ;  as  an  animal  he  is  subject 
to  nature,  but  in  his  spiritual  or  conscious  being  he  transcends 
the  world  of  material  existence.  His  spiritual  powers  being 
nobler  and  higher,  possess  virtues  of  which  nature  intrinsically 
has  no  evidence ;  therefore  they  triumph  over  natural  conditions. 
These  ideal  virtues  or  powers  in  man  surpass  or  surround  nature, 
comprehend  natural  laws  and  phenomena,  penetrate  the  mysteries 
of  the  unknown  ;ind  invisible  and  bring  them  forth  into  the  realm 


78       THE  PKOMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

of  the  known  and  visible.  All  the  existing  arts  and  sciences  were 
once  hidden  secrets  of  nature.  By  his  command  and  control  of 
nature  man  took  them  out  of  the  plane  of  the  invisible  and 
revealed  them  in  the  plane  of  visibility  whereas  according  to 
the  exigencies  of  nature  these  secrets  should  have  remained  latent 
and  concealed.  According  to  the  exigencies  of  nature,  electricity 
should  be  a  hidden,  mysterious  power  but  the  penetrating  intel- 
lect of  man  has  discovered  it,  taken  it  out  of  the  realm  of  mystery 
and  made  it  an  obedient  human  servant.  In  his  physical  body  and 
its  functions  man  is  a  captive  of  nature ;  for  instance,  he  cannot 
continue  his  existence  without  sleep  an  exigency  of  nature ;  he  must 
partake  of  food  and  drink  which  nature  demands  and  requires. 
But  in  his  spiritual  being  and  intelligence  man  dominates  and  con- 
trols nature  the  ruler  of  his  physical  being.  Notwithstanding  this, 
contrary  opinions  and  materialistic  views  are  set  forth  which  would 
relegate  man  completely  to  physical  subservience  to  nature's  laws. 
This  is  equivalent  to  saying  that  the  comparative  degree  exceeds 
the  superlative,  that  the  imperfect  includes  the  perfect,  that  the 
pupil  surpasses  the  teacher ;  all  of  which  is  illogical  and  impossible. 
When  it  is  clearly  manifest  and  evident  that  the  intelligence  of 
man,  his  constructive  faculty,  his  power  of  penetration  and  dis- 
covery transcend  nature,  how  can  we  say  he  is  nature's  thrall  and 
captive.  This  would  indicate  that  man  is  deprived  of  the  bounties 
of  God,  that  he  is  retrograding  toward  the  station  of  the  animal, 
that  his  keen  super-intelligence  is  without  function  and  that  he 
estimates  himself  as  an  animal  without  distinction  between  his  own 
and  the  animal's  kingdom. 

I  was  once  conversing  with  a  famous  philosopher  of  the  ma- 
terialistic school  in  Alexandria.  He  was  strongly  opinionated 
upon  the  point  that  man  and  the  other  kingdoms  of  existence  are 
under  the  control  of  nature,  and  that  after  all,  man  is  only  a 
social  animal,  often  very  much  of  an  animal.  When  he  was  discom- 
fited in  argument,  he  said  impetuously  "  I  see  no  difference  between 
myself  and  the  donkey  and  I  am  not  willing  to  admit  distinctions 
which  I  cannot  perceive."  Abdul  Baha  replied  "No,  I  consider 
you  quite  different  and  distinct ;  I  call  you  a  man  and  the  donkey 
but  an  animal.  I  perceive  that  you  are  highly  intelligent  whereas 
the  donkey  is  not.  I  know  that  you  are  well  versed  in  philosophy 
and  I  also  know  that  the  donkey  is  entirely  deficient  in  it;  there- 
fore I  am  not  willing  to  accept  your  statement. ' ' 

Consider  the  lady  beside  me  who  is  writing  in  this  little  book. 
It  seems  a  very  trifling,  ordinary  matter   but  upon  intelligent  re- 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  79 

flection  you  will  conclude  that  what  has  been  written  presupposes 
and  proves  the  existence  of  a  writer.  These  words  have  not  written 
themselves  and  these  letters  have  not  come  together  of  their  own 
volition.     It  is  evident  there  must  be  a  writer. 

And  now  consider  this  infinite  universe.  Is  it  possible  that  it 
could  have  been  created  without  a  creator?  Or  that  the  creator 
and  cause  of  this  infinite  congeries  of  worlds  should  be  minus  intel- 
ligence ?  Is  the  idea  that  the  creator  has  no  comprehension  of  what 
is  manifested  in  creation,  tenable?  IMan  the  creature  has  volition 
and  certain  virtues.  Is  it  possible  that  his  creator  is  deprived  of 
these?  A  child  could  not  accept  this  belief  and  statement.  It  is 
perfectly  evident  that  man  did  not  create  himself  and  that  he 
cannot  do  so.  How  could  man  of  his  own  weakness  create  such  a 
mighty  being  ?  Therefore  the  creator  of  man  must  be  more  perfect 
and  powerful-  than  man.  If  the  creative  cause  of  man  be  simply 
on  the  same  level  with  man,  then  man  himself  should  be  able  to 
create  whereas  we  know  very  well  that  we  cannot  create  even  our 
own  likeness.  Therefore  the  creator  of  man  must  be  endowed  with 
superlative  intelligence  and  power  in  all  points  that  creation  in- 
volves and  implies.  We  are  weak ;  he  is  mighty ;  because  were  he 
not  mighty  he  could  not  have  created  us.  We  are  ignorant ;  he  is 
wise ;  we  are  poor ;  he  is  rich ;  otherwise  he  would  have  been  incap- 
able of  our  creation. 

Among  the  proofs  of  the  existence  of  a  divine  power  is  this; 
that  things  are  often  known  by  their  opposites.  Were  it  not  for 
darkness  light  could  not  be  sensed.  Were  it  not  for  death  life 
could  not  be  known.  If  ignorance  did  not  exist  knowledge  would 
not  be  a  reality.  It  is  necessary  that  each  should  exist  in  order  that 
the  other  should  have  reality.  Night  and  day  must  be  in  order 
that  each  may  be  distinguished.  Night  itself  is  an  indication  and 
evidence  of  day  which  follows ;  and  day  itself  indicates  the  coming 
night.  Unless  night  was  a  reality  there  could  not  be  day.  Were  it 
not  for  death  there  could  be  no  life.  Things  are  known  by  their 
opposites. 

Therefore  our  weakness  is  an  evidence  that  there  is  might ;  our 
ignorance  proves  the  reality  of  knowledge ;  our  need  is  an  indica- 
tion of  supply  and  wealth.  Were  it  not  for  wealth  this  need  would 
not  exist ;  were  it  not  for  knowledge  ignorance  would  be  unknown ; 
were  it  not  for  power  there  would  be  no  impotence.  In  other 
words  demand  and  supply  is  the  law  and  undoubtedly  all  virtues 
have  a  center  and  source.  That  source  is  God  from  whom  all  these 
bounties  emanate. 


80       THE  I'RO^IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

X 

Mai/  3,  1D12,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Marzieh  Moss 

I  WAS  in  the  Orient,  and  from  the  Orient  to  this  part  of  the 
world  is  a  long  distance.  Travel  is  difficult,  especially  difficult 
for  me  on  account  of  my  infirmities  of  body,  increased  by  forty 
years  in  prison.  My  physical  powers  are  weak;  it  is  the  power  of 
will  that  sustains  nic.  Realize  from  this  how  great  has  been  my 
exertion  and  how  strong  my  purpose  in  accomplishing  this  journey 
through  the  will  of  God.  May  it  be  the  cause  of  great  illumination 
iu  the  Occident. 

In  this  western  world  with  its  stimulating  climate,  its  capacities 
for  knowledge  and  lofty  ideals,  the  message  of  peace  should  be 
easily  spread.  The  people  are  not  so  influenced  by  imitations  and 
prejudices,  and  through  their  comprehension  of  the  real  and  un- 
real they  should  attain  the  truth.  They  should  become  leaders  in 
the  effort  to  establish  the  oneness  of  humankind.  What  is  higher 
than  this  responsibility?  In  the  kingdom  of  God  no  service  is 
greater  and  in  the  estimation  of  the  prophets  including  Jesus 
Christ  there  is  no  deed  so  estimable. 

Yet  even  now  warfare  prevails.  En\'y  and  hatred  have  arisen 
between  nations  but  because  I  find  the  American  nation  so  capable 
of  achievement  and  this  government  the  fairest  of  western  govern- 
ments, its  institutions  superior  to  others,  my  wish  and  hope  is  that 
the  banner  of  international  reconciliation  may  first  be  raised  on 
this  continent  and  the  standard  of  the  ''Most  Great  Peace"  be 
unfurled  here.  IMay  the  American  people  and  their  government 
unite  in  their  efforts  in  order  that  this  light  may  dawn  from  this 
point  and  spread  to  all  regions;  for  this  is  one  of  the  greatest 
bestowals  of  God.  In  order  that  America  may  avail  herself  of 
this  opportunity  I  beg  that  you  strive  and  pray  with  heart  and 
soul,  devoting  all  your  energies  to  this  end  that  the  banner  of 
international  peace  may  be  upraised  here  and  that  this  democracy 
may  be  the  cause  of  the  cessation  of  warfare  in  all  other  countries. 

Observe  what  is  taking  place  in  Tripoli ;  men  cutting  each  other 
into  pieces ;  bombardment  from  the  sea,  attacks  from  the  land  and 
the  hail  of  dynamite  from  the  very  heaven  itself.  The  contending 
armies  are  thirsting  for  each  other's  blood.  How  they  can  do  this 
is  inconceivable.  They  have  fathers,  mothers,  children;  they  are 
human.  What  of  their  wives  and  families?  Think  of  their  anguish 
and  suffering.  How  unjust,  how  terrible!  Human  beings  should 
prevent  and  forbid  this.    These  kings,  rulers  and  chieftans  should 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED   IN  CHICAGO  81 

strive  for  the  good  of  their  subjects  instead  of  their  destruction. 
These  shepherds  should  bring  their  sheep  within  the  fold,  comfort 
them  and  give  them  pasture  instead  of  death  and  slaughter. 

I  supplicate  the  divine  kingdom  and  ask  that  you  may  be 
instrumental  in  establishing  the  great  peace  in  this  country  and 
that  this  government  and  nation  may  spread  it  to  all  the  world. 

XI 

3Iaij  3,  1912,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Marzieh  Moss 

A  CCORDING  to  the  statement  of  philosophers  the  difference 
^^  in  degree  of  humankind  from  lowest  to  highest  is  due  to  edu- 
cation. The  proofs  they  advance  are  these:  The  civilization  of 
Europe  and  America  is  an  evidence  and  outcome  of  education 
whereas  the  semi-civilized  and  barbarous  peoples  of  Africa  bear 
witness  in  their  condition  that  they  have  been  deprived  of  its 
advantages.  Education  makes  the  ignorant  wise,  the  tyrant  just, 
promotes  happiness,  strengthens  the  mind,  develops  the  will  and 
makes  fruitless  trees  of  humanity  fruitful.  Therefore  in  the  human 
world  some  have  attained  lofty  degrees  while  others  grope  in  the 
abyss  of  despair.  Nevertheless  the  highest  attainment  is  possible 
for  every  member  of  the  human  race  even  to  the  station  of  the 
prophets.  This  is  the  statement  and  reasoning  of  the  philosophers. 
The  prophets  of  God  are  the  first  educators.  They  bestow  uni- 
versal education  upon  man  and  cause  him  to  rise  from  lowest 
levels  of  savagery  to  the  highest  pinnacles  of  spiritual  develop- 
ment. The  philosophers  too  are  educators  along  lines  of  intellectual 
training.  At  most  they  have  only  been  able  to  educate  themselves 
and  a  limited  number  about  them,  to  improve  their  own  morals 
and,  so  to  speak,  civilize  themselves;  but  they  have  been  incapable 
of  universal  education.  They  have  failed  to  cause  an  advancement 
for  any  given  nation  from  savagery  to  civilization. 

It  is  evident  that  although  education  improves  the  morals  of 
mankind,  confers  the  advantages  of  civilization  and  elevates  man 
from  lowest  degrees  to  the  station  of  sublimity,  there  is  neverthe- 
less a  difference  in  the  intrinsic  or  natal  capacity  of  individuals. 
Ten  children  of  the  same  age,  with  equal  station  of  birth,  taught 
in  the  same  school,  partaking  of  the  same  food,  in  all  respects 
.subject  to  the  same  environment,  their  interests  equal  and  in  com- 
mon, will  evidence  separate  and  distinct  degrees  of  capability  and 
advancement ;  some  exceedingly  intelligent  and  progressive,  some 


82       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

of  mediocre  ability,  others  limited  and  incapable.  One  may  become 
a  learned  professor  while  another  under  the  same  course  of  educa- 
tion proves  dull  and  stupid.  From  all  standpoints  the  opportuni- 
ties have  been  equal  but  the  results  and  outcomes  vary  from  the 
highest  to  lowest  degree  of  advancement.  It  is  evident  therefore 
that  mankind  differs  in  natal  capacity  and  intrinsic  intellectual 
endowment.  Nevertheless  although  capacities  are  not  the  same, 
every  member  of  the  human  race  is  capable  of  education. 

His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  was  an  educator  of  humanity.  His 
teachings  were  altruistic ;  his  bestowal  universal.  He  taught  man- 
kind by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  not  through  human 
agency,  for  the  human  power  is  limited  whereas  the  divine  power 
is  illimitable  and  infinite.  The  influence  and  accomplishment  of 
Christ  will  attest  this,  Galen  the  Greek  physician  and  philosopher 
who  lived  in  the  second  century  A.  D.,  wrote  a  treatise  upon  the 
civilization  of  nations.  He  was  not  a  Christian  but  he  has  borne 
testimony  that  religious  beliefs  exercise  an  extraordinary  effect 
upon  the  problems  of  civilization.  In  substance  he  says  "There 
are  certain  people  among  us,  followers  of  Jesus  the  Nazarene  who 
was  killed  in  Jerusalem.  These  people  are  truly  imbued  with  moral 
principles  which  are  the  envy  of  philosophers.  They  believe  in  God 
and  fear  him.  They  have  hopes  in  his  favors,  therefore  they  shun 
all  unworthy  deeds  and  actions  and  incline  to  praiseworthy  ethics 
and  morals.  Day  and  night  they  strive  that  their  deeds  may  be 
commendable  and  that  they  may  contribute  to  the  welfare  of 
humanity;  therefore  each  one  of  them  is  virtually  a  philosopher, 
for  these  people  have  attained  unto  that  which  is  the  essence  and 
purport  of  philosophy.  These  people  have  praiseworthy  morals 
even  though  they  may  be  illiterate." 

The  purpose  of  this  is  to  show  that  the  holy  manifestations  of 
God,  the  divine  prophets  are  the  first  teachers  of  the  human  race. 
They  are  universal  educators  and  the  fundamental  principles  they 
have  laid  down  are  the  causes  and  factors  of  the  advancement  of 
nations.  Forms  and  imitations  which  creep  in  afterward  are  not 
conducive  to  that  progress.  On  the  contrary  these  are  destroyers 
of  human  foundations  established  by  the  heavenly  educators.  These 
are  clouds  which  obscure  the  Sun  of  Reality.  If  you  reflect  upon  the 
essential  teachings  of  Jesus  you  will  realize  that  they  are  the  light 
of  the  world.  Nobody  can  question  their  truth.  They  are  the  very 
source  of  life  and  the  cause  of  happiness  to  the  human  race.  The 
forms  and  superstitions  which  appeared  and  obscured  the  light  did 
not  affect  the  reality  of  Christ.  For  example.  His  Holiness  Jesus 
Christ  said  "Put  up  the  sword  into  the  sheath."     The  meaning  is 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IX  CHICAGO  83 

that  warfare  is  forbidden  and  abrogated ;  but  consider  the  Christian 
wars  which  took  place  afterward.  Christian  hostility  and  inquisi- 
tion spared  not  even  the  learned ;  he  who  proclaimed  the  revolution 
of  the  earth  was  imprisoned ;  he  who  announced  the  new  astronom- 
ical system  was  persecuted  as  a  heretic ;  scholars  and  scientists 
became  objects  of  fanatical  hatred  and  many  were  killed  and 
tortured.  How  do  these  actions  conform  with  the  teachings  of 
Jesus  Christ  and  what  relation  do  they  bear  to  his  own  example? 
For  Christ  declared  "Love  your  enemies,  and  pray  for  them  that 
persecute  you  that  you  may  be  sons  of  your  Father  which  is  in 
heaven ;  for  he  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  the  good,  and 
sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  the  unjust. ' '  How  can  hatred,  hostility 
and  persecution  be  reconciled  with  Christ  and  his  teachings? 

Therefore  there  is  need  of  turning  back  to  the  original  founda- 
tion. The  fundamental  principles  of  the  prophets  are  correct  and 
true.  The  imitations  and  superstitions  which  have  crept  in  are  at 
wide  variance  with  the  original  precepts  and  commands.  His 
Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  has  revoiced  and  re-established  the  quintes- 
sence of  the  teachings  of  all  the  prophets,  setting  aside  the  acces- 
sories and  purifying  religion  from  human  interpretation.  He  has 
written  a  book  entitled  Hidden  Words.  The  preface  announces 
that  it  contains  the  essences  of  the  words  of  the  prophets  of  the 
past  clothed  in  the  garment  of  brevity  for  the  teaching  and  spiritual 
guidance  of  the  people  of  the  world.  Read  it  that  you  may  under- 
stand the  true  foundations  of  religion  and  reflect  upon  the  inspira- 
tion of  the  messengers  of  God.    It  is  light  upon  light. 

We  must  not  look  for  truth  in  the  deeds  and  actions  of  nations ; 
we  must  investigate  truth  at  its  divine  source  and  summon  all 
mankind  to  unity  in  the  reality  itself. 

XII 

May  4,  1912,  at  Northwestern  University  Hall,  Chicago,  III. 

Theosophical  Society. 

Notes  by  Marzieh  Moss 

I  AM  very  happy  in  being  present  at  this  meeting.  Praise  be  to 
God !  I  see  before  me  the  faces  of  those  who  are  endowed  with 
capacity  to  know  and  who  desire  to  investigate  truth.  This  is 
conducive  to  the  greatest  joy. 

According  to  divine  philosophy,  there  are  two  important  and 
universal  conditions  in  the  world  of  material  phenomena ;  one 
which  concerns  life,  the  other  concerning  death ;  one  relative  to 


84       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

existence,  the  other  non-existence;  one  manifest  in  composition, 
the  other  in  decomposition.  Some  define  existence  as  the  expres- 
sion of  reality  or  being,  and  non-existence  as  non-being,  imagining 
that  death  is  annihilation.  This  is  a  mistaken  idea,  for  total  anni- 
hilation is  an  impossibility.  At  most,  composition  is  ever  subject 
to  decomposition  or  disintegration ;  that  is  to  say,  existence  implies 
the  grouping  of  material  elements  in  a  form  or  body,  and  non- 
existence is  simply  the  de-composing  of  these  groupings.  This  is  the 
law  of  creation  in  its  endless  forms  and  infinite  variety  of  expres- 
sion. Certain  elements  have  formed  the  composite  creature  man. 
This  composite  association  of  the  elements  in  the  form  of  a  human 
body  is  therefore  subject  to  disintegration  which  we  call  death,  but 
after  disintegration  the  elements  themselves  persist  unchanged. 
Therefore  total  annihilation  is  an  impossibility,  and  existence  can 
never  become  non-existence.  This  would  be  equivalent  to  saying 
that  light  can  become  darkness,  which  is  manifestly  untrue  and  im- 
possible. As  existence  can  never  become  non-existence,  there  is 
no  death  for  man;  nay,  rather,  man  is  everlasting  and  everliving. 
The  rational  proof  of  this  is  that  the  atoms  of  the  material  elements 
are  transferable  from  one  form  of  existence  to  another,  from  one 
degree  and  kingdom  to  another,  lower  or  higher.  For  example,  an 
atom  of  the  soil  or  dust  of  earth  may  traverse  the  kingdoms  from 
mineral  to  man  by  successive  incorporations  into  the  bodies  of  the 
organisms  of  those  kingdoms.  At  one  time  it  enters  into  the  forma- 
tion of  the  mineral  or  rock;  it  is  then  absorbed  by  the  vegetable 
kingdom  and  becomes  a  constituent  of  the  body  and  fibre  of  a  tree ; 
again  it  is  appropriated  by  the  animal,  and  at  a  still  later  period 
is  found  in  the  body  of  man.  Throughout  these  degrees  of  its 
traversing  the  kingdoms  from  one  form  of  phenomenal  being  to 
another,  it  retains  its  atomic  existence  and  is  never  annihilated 
nor  relegated  to  non-existence. 

Non-existence  therefore  is  an  expression  applied  to  change  of 
form,  but  this  transformation  can  never  be  rightly  considered 
annihilation,  for  the  elements  of  composition  are  ever  present  and 
existent  as  we  have  seen  in  the  journey  of  the  atom  through  suc- 
cessive kingdoms,  unimpaired ;  hence  there  is  no  death ;  life  is  ever- 
lasting. So  to  speak,  when  the  atom  entered  into  the  composition 
of  the  tree,  it  died  to  the  mineral  kingdom,  and  wlien  consumed  by 
the  animal,  it  died  to  the  vegetable  kingdom,  and  so  on  until  its 
transference  or  transmutation  into  the  kingdom  of  man ;  but 
throughout  its  traversing  it  was  subject  to  transformation  and  not 
annihilation.  Death  therefore  is  applicable  to  a  change  or  trans- 
ference from  one  degree  or  condition  to  another.     In  the  mineral 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  85 

realm  there  was  a  spirit  of  existence ;  in  the  world  of  plant  life  and 
organisms  it  reappeared  as  the  vegetative  spirit ;  thence  it  attained 
the  animal  spirit  and  finally  aspired  to  the  human  spirit.  These 
are  degrees  and  changes  but  not  obliteration ;  and  this  is  a  rational 
proof  that  man  is  everlasting,  everliving.  Therefore  death  is 
only  a  relative  term  implying  change.  For  example,  we  will  say 
that  this  light  before  me,  having  reappeared  in  another  incandescent 
lamp,  has  died  in  the  one  and  lives  in  the  other.  This  is  not  death 
in  reality.  The  perfections  of  the  mineral  are  translated  into 
the  vegetable  and  from  thence  into  the  animal,  the  virtue  always 
attaining  a  plus  or  superlative  degree  in  the  upward  change. 
In  each  kingdom  we  find  the  same  virtues  manifesting  them- 
selves more  fully,  proving  that  the  reality  has  been  trans- 
ferred from  a  lower  to  a  higher  form  and  kingdom  of  being.  There- 
fore non-existence  is  only  relative  and  absolute  non-existence  incon- 
ceivable. This  rose  in  my  hand  will  become  disintegrated  and  its 
.symmetry  destroyed,  but  the  elements  of  its  composition  remain 
changeless;  nothing  affects  their  elemental  integrity.  They  cannot 
become  non-existent ;  they  are  simply  transferred  from  one  state  to 
another. 

Through  his  ignorance,  man  fears  death;  but  the  death  he 
shrinks  from  is  imaginary  and  absolutely  unreal ;  it  is  only  human 
imagination. 

The  bestowal  and  grace  of  God  have  quickened  the  realm  of 
existence  with  life  and  being.  For  existence  there  is  neither  change 
nor  transformation ;  existence  is  ever  existence ;  it  can  never  be 
translated  into  non-existence.  It  is  gradation;  a  degree  below  a 
higher  degree  is  considered  as  non-existence.  This  dust  beneath 
our  feet,  as  compared  with  our  being  is  non-existent.  AVhen  the 
human  body  crumbles  into  dust  we  can  say  it  has  become  non- 
existent; therefore  its  dust  in  relation  to  living  forms  of  human 
being  is  as  non-existent  but  in  its  own  sphere  it  is  existent,  it  has 
its  mineral  being.  Therefore  it  is  well  proved  that  absolute  non- 
existence is  impossible ;  it  is  only  relative. 

The  purpose  is  this; — that  the  everlasting  bestowal  of  God 
vouchsafed  to  man  is  never  subject  to  corruption.  Inasmuch  as 
he  has  endowed  the  phenomenal  world  with  being,  it  is  impossible 
for  that  world  to  become  non-being,  for  it  is  the  very  genesis  of 
God ;  it  is  in  the  realm  of  origination ;  it  is  a  creational  and  not  a 
subjective  world,  and  the  bounty  descending  upon  it  is  continuous 
and  permanent.  Therefore  man  the  highest  creature  of  the  phenom- 
enal world  is  endowed  with  that  continuous  bounty  bestowed  by 
divine  generosity  without  cessation.    For  instance,  the  rays  of  the 


86       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

sun  are  continuous,  the  heat  of  the  sun  emanates  from  it  without 
cessation;  no  discontinuance  of  it  is  conceivable.  Even  so  the 
bestowal  of  God  is  descending  upon  the  world  of  humanity,  never 
ceasing,  continuous,  forever.  If  we  say  that  the  bestowal  of  exist- 
ence ceases  or  falters  it  is  equivalent  to  saying  that  the  sun  can  exist 
with  cessation  of  its  effulgence.  Is  this  possible?  Therefore  the 
effulgences  of  existence  are  ever-present  and  continuous. 

The  conception  of  annihilation  is  a  factor  in  human  degradation, 
a  cause  of  human  debasement  and  lowliness,  a  source  of  human 
fear  and  abjection.  It  has  been  conducive  to  the  dispersion  and 
weakening  of  human  thought  whereas  the  realization  of  existence 
and  continuity  has  upraised  man  to  sublimity  of  ideals,  established 
the  foundations  of  human  progress  and  stimulated  the  development 
of  heavenly  virtues ;  therefore  it  behooves  man  to  abandon  thoughts 
of  non-existence  and  death  which  are  absolutely  imaginary  and 
see  himself  ever  living,  everlasting  in  the  divine  purpose  of  his 
creation.  He  must  turn  away  from  ideas  which  degrade  the  human 
soul,  so  that  day  by  day  and  hour  by  hour  he  may  advance  up- 
ward and  higher  to  spiritual  perception  of  the  continuity  of  the 
human  reality.  If  he  dwells  upon  the  thought  of  non-existence  he 
will  become  utterly  incompetent;  with  weakened  will-power  his 
ambition  for  progress  will  be  lessened  and  the  acquisition  of  human 
virtues  will  cease. 

Therefore  you  must  thank  God  that  he  has  bestowed  upon  you 
the  blessing  of  life  and  existence  in  the  human  kingdom.  Strive 
diligently  to  acquire  virtues  befitting  your  degree  and  station.  Be 
as  lights  of  the  world  which  cannot  be  hid  and  which  have  no  setting 
in  horizons  of  darkness.  Ascend  to  the  zenith  of  an  existence  which 
is  never  beclouded  by  the  fears  and  forebodings  of  non-existence. 
When  man  is  not  endowed  with  inner  perception  he  is  not  informed 
of  these  important  mysteries.  The  retina  of  outer  vision  though 
sensitive  and  delicate  may  nevertheless  be  a  hindrance  to  the  inner 
eye  which  alone  can  perceive.  The  bestowals  of  God  which  are 
manifest  in  all  phenomenal  life  are  sometimes  hidden  by  inter- 
vening veils  of  mental  and  mortal  vision  which  render  man  spirit- 
ually blind  and  incapable  but  when  those  scales  are  removed  and 
the  veils  rent  asunder,  then  the  great  signs  of  God  will  become 
visible  and  he  will  witness  the  eternal  light  filling  the  world.  The 
bestowals  of  God  are  all  and  always  manifest.  The  promises  of 
heaven  are  ever  present.  The  favors  of  God  are  all-surrounding 
but  should  the  conscious  eye  of  the  soul  of  man  remain  veiled  and 
darkened  he  will  be  led  to  deny  these  universal  signs  and  remain 
deprived  of  these  manifestations  of  divine  bounty.     Therefore  we 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED   TX  CHICAGO  87 

must  endeavor  with  heart  and  soul  in  order  that  the  veil  covering 
the  eye  of  inner  vision  may  be  removed,  that  we  may  behold  the 
manifestations  of  the  signs  of  God,  discern  his  mysterious  graces, 
and  realize  that  material  blessings  as  compared  with  spiritual 
bounties  are  as  nothing.  The  spiritual  blessings  of  God  are  greatest. 
"When  we  were  in  the  mineral  kingdom,  although  endowed  with 
certain  gifts  and  powers,  they  were  not  to  be  compared  with  the 
blessings  of  the  human  kingdom.  In  the  matrix  of  the  mother  we 
were  the  recipients  of  endowments  and  blessings  of  God,  yet  these 
were  as  nothing  compared  to  the  powers  and  graces  bestowed  upon 
us  after  birth  into  this  human  world.  Likewise  if  we  are  bom  from 
the  matrix  of  this  physical  and  phenomenal  en\aronment  into  the 
freedom  and  loftiness  of  the  life  and  vision  spiritual,  we  shall  con- 
sider this  mortal  existence  and  its  blessings  as  worthless  by 
comparison. 

In  the  spiritual  world,  the  divine  bestowals  are  infinite,  for  in 
that  realm  there  is  neither  separation  nor  disintegration  which 
characterize  the  world  of  material  existence.  Spiritual  existence  is 
absolute  immortality,  completeness  and  unchangeable  being.  There- 
fore we  must  thank  God  that  he  has  created  for  ns  both  material 
blessings  and  spiritual  bestowals.  He  has  given  us  material  gifts 
and  spiritual  graces,  outer  sight  to  view  the  lights  of  the  sun  and 
inner  vision  by  which  we  may  perceive  the  glory  of  God.  He  has 
designed  the  outer  ear  to  enjoy  the  melodies  of  sound  and  the  inner 
hearing  wherewith  we  may  hear  the  voice  of  our  creator.  We  must 
strive  with  energies  of  heart,  soul  and  mind  to  develop  and  mani- 
fest the  perfections  and  virtues  latent  within  the  realities  of  the 
phenomenal  world,  for  the  human  reality  may  be  compared  to  a 
seed.  If  we  sow  the  seed,  a  mighty  tree  appears  from  it.  The 
virtues  of  the  seed  are  revealed  in  the  tree ;  it  puts  forth  branches, 
leaves,  blossoms,  and  produces  fruits.  All  these  virtues  were  hid- 
den and  potential  in  the  seed.  Through  the  blessing  and  bounty  of 
cultivation  these  virtues  became  apparent.  Similarly  the  merciful 
God  our  creator  has  deposited  within  human  realties  certain  vir- 
tues latent  and  potential.  Through  education  and  culture,  these 
virtues  deposited  by  the  loving  God  will  become  apparent  in  the 
human  reality  even  as  the  unfoldment  of  the  tree  from  within  the 
germinating  seed.    I  will  pray  for  you. 

0  thou  kind  Lord!  These  are  thy  servants  who  have  gathered 
in  this  meeting,  turned  unto  thy  kingdom  and  are  in  need  of  thy 
bestowal  and  blessing.  0  thou  God!  IManifest  and  make  evident 
the  signs  of  thy  oneness  which  have  been  deposited  in  all  the  reali- 
ties of  life.  Reveal  and  unfold  the  virtues  which  thon  hast  made 


88       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

latent  and  concealed  in  these  human  realities.  0  God !  We  are  as 
plants  and  thy  bounty  is  as  the  rain.  Refresh  and  cause  these 
plants  to  grow  through  thy  bestowal.  We  are  thy  servants;  free 
us  from  the  fetters  of  material  existence.  We  are  ignorant ;  make 
us  wise.  We  are  dead ;  make  us  alive.  We  are  material ;  endow  us 
with  spirit.  We  are  deprived;  make  us  the  intimates  of  thy  mys- 
teries. We  are  needy;  enrich  and  bless  us  from  thy  boundless 
treasury.  0  God!  Resusciate  us,  give  us  sight,  give  us  hearing. 
Familiarize  us  with  the  mysteries  of  life,  so  that  the  secrets  of 
thy  kingdom  may  become  revealed  to  us  in  this  world  of  existence 
and  we  may  confess  thy  oneness.  Every  bestowal  emanates  from 
thee;  every  benediction  is  thine.  Thou  art  mighty!  Thou  art 
powerful!    Thou  art  the  giver  and  thou  art  the  ever-bounteous! 

XIII 

3Iay  5,  19]2,  at  Hotel  Plaza,  Chicago,  III. 

Ch  ildre  n  's  Meeting. 

Notes  by  Marzieh  Moss 

YOU  are  the  children  of  wiiom  His  Holiness  Christ  has  said 
"Of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God;"  and  according  to  the 
words  of  Baha  'Ullah  you  are  the  very  lamps  or  candles  of  the 
world  of  humanity  for  your  hearts  are  exceedingly  pure  and  your 
spirits  most  sensitive.  You  are  near  the  source ;  you  have  not  yet 
become  contaminated.  You  are  the  lambs  of  the  heavenly  shepherd. 
You  are  as  polished  mirrors  reflecting  pure  light.  My  hope  is  that 
your  parents  may  educate  you  spiritually  and  give  you  thorough 
moral  training.  May  you  develop  so  that  each  one  of  you  shall 
become  imbued  with  all  the  virtues  of  the  human  world.  May  you 
advance  in  all  degrees  material  and  spiritual.  j\Iay  you  become 
learned  in  sciences,  acquire  the  arts  and  crafts,  prove  to  be  useful 
members  of  human  society  and  assist  the  progress  of  human  civili- 
zation. May  you  be  a  cause  of  the  manifestation  of  divine 
bestowals ;  each  one  of  you  a  shining  star  radiating  the  light  of  the 
oneness  of  humanity  toward  the  horizons  of  the  east  and  west.  May 
you  be  devoted  to  the  love  and  unity  of  mankind  and  through  your 
efforts  may  the  reality  deposited  in  the  human  heart  find  its  divine 
expression.  I  pray  for  you,  asking  the  assistance  and  confirmation 
of  God  in  your  behalf. 

You  are  all  my  children,  my  spiritual  children.  Spiritual  chil- 
dren are  dearer  than  physical  children  for  it  is  possible  for 
physical  children  to  turn  away  from  the  spirit  of  God,  but  you  are 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  89 

spiritual  children  and  therefore  you  are  most  beloved.  I  wish  foi- 
you  progress  in  every  degree  of  development.  May  God  assist  you. 
May  you  be  surrounded  by  the  beneficent  light  of  his  countenance 
and  may  you  attain  maturity  under  his  nurture  and  protection. 
You  are  all  blessed. 

To  the  Friends 

1  am  going  away  but  you  must  arise  to  serve  the  Word  of  God. 
Your  hearts  must  be  pure  and  your  intentions  sincere  in  order  that 
you  may  become  recipients  of  the  divine  bestowals.  Consider  that 
although  the  sun  shines  equally  upon  all  things,  yet  in  the  clear 
mirror  its  reflection  is  most  brilliant  and  not  in  the  black  stone. 
This  great  effulgence  and  heat  have  been  produced  by  the  crystal 
clearness  of  the  glass.  If  there  were  no  clearness  and  purity  these 
effects  would  not  be  witnessed.  Should  rain  fall  upon  salty,  stony 
earth  it  will  never  have  effect  but  when  it  falls  upon  good  pure 
soil,  green  and  verdant  growth  follows  and  fruits  are  produced. 

This  is  the  day  when  pure  hearts  have  a  portion  of  the  ever- 
lasting bounties  and  sanctified  souls  are  being  illumined  by  the 
eternal  manifestations.  Praise  be  to  God!  you  are  believers  in 
God,  assured  by  the  words  of  God  and  turning  to  the  kingdom  of 
God.  You  have  heard  the  divine  call.  Your  hearts  are  moved  by 
the  breezes  of  the  paradise  of  Abha.  You  have  good  intentions,  your 
purpose  is  the  good-pleasure  of  God,  you  desire  to  serve  in  the 
kingdom  of  the  merciful  One.  Therefore  arise  in  the  utmost  power. 
Be  in  perfect  unity.  Never  become  angry  with  one  another.  Let 
your  eyes  be  directed  toward  the  kingdom  of  truth  and  not  toward 
the  world  of  creation.  Love  the  creatures  for  the  sake  of  God  and 
not  for  themselves.  You  will  never  become  angiy  or  impatient  if 
you  love  them  for  the  sake  of  God.  Humanity  is  not  perfect. 
There  are  imperfections  in  every  human  being  and  you  will  always 
become  unhappy  if  you  look  toward  the  people  themselves.  But  if 
you  look  toward  God  you  will  love  them  and  be  kind  to  them,  for 
the  world  of  God  is  the  world  of  perfection  and  complete  mercy. 
Therefore  do  not  look  at  the  shortcomings  of  anybody ;  see  with  the 
sight  of  forgiveness.  The  imperfect  eye  beholds  imperfections.  The 
eye  that  covers  faults  looks  toward  the  creator  of  souls.  He  created 
them,  trains  and  provides  for  them,  endows  them  with  capacity  and 
life,  sight  and  hearing ;  therefore  they  are  the  signs  of  his  grandeur. 
You  must  love  and  be  kind  to  everybody,  care  for  the  poor,  protect 
the  weak,  heal  the  sick,  teach  and  educate  the  ignorant. 

It  is  my  hope  that  the  unity  and  harmony  of  the  friends  in 
Chicago  may  be  the  cause  of  the  unity  of  the  friends  throughout 


90       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

America  and  that  all  people  may  become  recipients  of  their  love 
and  kindness.  May  they  be  an  example  for  mankind.  Then  the 
confirmations  of  the  kingdom  of  Abha  and  the  bestowals  of  the  Sun 
of  Reality  will  be  all-encircling. 


XIV 

3Iay  5,  1912,  at  Plymouth  Congregational  Church,  935  East  50th 

Street,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes  by  Marzieh  MoSS 

I  OFFER  thanks  to  God  for  the  privilege  of  being  present  in  an 
assemblage  which  is  commemorating  him ;  whose  members 
have  no  thought  or  intention  save  his  good-pleasure  and  the  un- 
biased investigation  of  reality.  I  praise  God  for  this  meeting  of 
human  souls  free  from  the  bondage  of  imitations  and  prejudice, 
willing  to  examine  reasonably  and  accept  that  which  is  found  to 
be  true. 

In  our  solar  system,  the  center  of  illumination  is  the  sun  itself. 
Through  the  will  of  God  this  central  luminary  is  the  one  source 
of  the  existence  and  development  of  all  phenomenal  things.  When 
we  observe  the  organisms  of  the  material  kingdoms  we  find  that  their 
growth  and  training  are  dependent  upon  the  heat  and  light  of  the 
sun.  Without  this  quickening  impulse  there  would  be  no  growth 
of  tree  or  vegetation,  neither  would  the  existence  of  animal  or 
human  being  be  possible ;  in  fact  no  forms  of  created  life  would  be 
manifest  upon  the  earth.  But  if  we  reflect  deeply  we  will  perceive 
that  the  great  bestower  and  giver  of  life  is  God ;  the  sun  is  the  inter- 
mediary of  his  will  and  plan.  Without  the  bounty  of  the  sun 
therefore  the  world  would  be  in  darkness.  All  illumination  of  our 
planetary  system  proceeds  or  emanates  from  the  solar  center. 

Likewise  in  the  spiritual  realm  of  intelligence  and  idealism 
there  must  be  a  center  of  illumination,  and  that  center  is  the  ever- 
lasting, ever-shining  Sun,  the  Word  of  God.  Its  lights  are  the 
lights  of  reality  which  have  shone  upon  humanity,  illumining  the 
realm  of  thought  and  morals,  conferring  the  bounties  of  the  divine 
world  upon  man.  These  lights  are  the  cause  of  the  education  of 
souls  and  the  source  of  the  enlightenment  of  hearts,  sending  forth 
in  effulgent  radiance  the  message  of  the  glad-tidings  of  the  kingdom 
of  God.  In  brief,  the  moral  and  ethical  world  and  the  world  of 
spiritual  regeneration  are  dependent  for  their  progressive  being 
upon  that  heavenly  center  of  illumination.  It  gives  forth  the  light 
of  religion  and  bestows  the  life  of  the  spirit,  imbues  humanity  with 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CIIICxVGO  91 

archetypal  virtues  and  confers  eternal  splendors.  This  Sun  of 
Reality,  this  center  of  effulgences  is  the  prophet  or  manifestation 
of  God.  Just  as  the  phenomenal  sun  shines  upon  the  material 
world  producing  life  and  growth,  likewise  the  spiritual  or  prophetic 
Sun  confers  illumination  upon  the  human  world  of  thought  and 
intelligence,  and  unless  it  rose  upon  the  horizon  of  human  existence 
the  kingdom  of  man  would  become  dark  and  extinguished. 

The  Sun  of  Reality  is  one  Sun  but  it  has  difiPerent  dawning- 
places,  just  as  the  phenomenal  sun  is  one  although  it  appears  at 
various  points  of  the  horizon.  During  the  time  of  spring  the 
luminary  of  the  physical  world  rises  far  to  the  north  of  the 
equinoctial ;  in  summer  it  dawns  midway  and  in  winter  it  appears 
in  the  most  southerly  point  of  its  zodiacal  .journey.  These  day- 
springs  or  dawning-points  differ  widely  but  the  sun  is  ever  the 
same  sun  whether  it  be  the  phenomenal  or  spiritual  luminary.  Souls 
who  focus  their  vision  upon  the  Sun  of  Reality  will  be  the  recipients 
of  light  no  matter  from  what  point  it  rises,  but  those  who  are  fet- 
tered by  adoration  of  the  dawning-point  are  deprived  when  it 
appears  in  a  different  station  upon  the  spiritual  horizon. 

Furthermore,  just  as  the  solar  cycle  has  its  four  seasons  the 
cycle  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  has  its  distinct  and  successive  periods. 
Each  brings  its  vernal  season  or  springtime.  When  the  Sun  of 
Reality  returns  to  quicken  the  world  of  mankind  a  divine  bounty 
descends  from  the  heaven  of  generosity.  The  realm  of  thoughts 
and  ideals  is  set  in  motion  and  blessed  with  new  life.  Minds  are 
developed,  hopes  brighten,  aspirations  become  spiritual,  the  virtues 
of  the  human  world  appear  with  freshened  power  of  growth  and 
the  image  and  likeness  of  God  become  visible  in  man.  It  is  the 
springtime  of  the  inner  world.  After  the  spring,  summer  comes 
with  its  fullness  and  fruitage  spiritual;  autumn  follows  with  its 
withering  winds  which  chill  the  soul ;  the  Sun  seems  to  be  going 
away  until  at  last  the  mantle  of  winter  overspreads  and  only  faint 
traces  of  the  effulgence  of  that  divine  Sun  remain.  Just  as  the 
surface  of  the  material  world  becomes  dark  and  dreary,  the  soil 
dormant,  the  trees  naked  and  bare  and  no  beauty  or  freshness 
remain  to  cheer  the  darkness  and  desolation,  so  the  winter  of  the 
spiritual  cycle  witnesses  the  death  and  disappearance  of  divine 
growth  and  extinction  of  the  light  and  love  of  God.  But  again  the 
cycle  begins  and  a  new  springtime  appears.  In  it  the  former 
springtime  has  returned,  the  world  is  resuscitated,  illumined  and 
attains  spirituality;  religion  is  renewed  and  reorganized,  hearts 
are  turned  to  God,  the  summons  of  God  is  heard  and  life  is  again 
bestowed  upon  man.    For  a  long  time  the  religious  world  liad  been 


92       THE  PBOMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

weakened  and  materialism  had  advanced ;  the  spiritual  forces  of  life 
were  waning,  moralities  were  becoming  degraded,  composure  and 
peace  had  vanished  from  souls  and  satanic  qualities  were  dominat- 
ing hearts ;  strife  and  hatred  overshadowed  humanity,  bloodshed  and 
violence  prevailed.  God  was  neglected;  the  Sun  of  Reality  seemed 
to  have  gone  completely ;  deprivation  of  the  bounties  of  heaven  was 
a  fact ;  and  so  the  season  of  winter  fell  upon  mankind.  But  in  the 
generosity  of  God  a  new  springtime  dawned,  the  lights  of  God  shone 
forth,  the  effulgent  Sun  of  Reality  returned  and  became  manifest, 
the  realm  of  thoughts  and  kingdom  of  hearts  became  exhilarated. 
a  new  spirit  of  life  breathed  into  the  body  of  the  world  and  con- 
tinuous advancement  became  apparent. 

I  hope  that  the  lights  of  the  Sun  of  Reality  will  illumine  the 
whole  world  so  that  no  strife  and  warfare,  no  battles  and  blood- 
shed remain.  May  fanaticism  and  religious  bigotry  be  unknown, 
all  humanity  enter  the  bond  of  brotherhood,  souls  consort  in  per- 
fect agreement,  the  nations  of  earth  at  last  hoist  the  banner  of 
truth  and  the  religions  of  the  world  enter  the  divine  temple  of 
oneness,  for  the  foundations  of  the  heavenly  religions  are  one 
reality.  Reality  is  not  divisible ;  it  does  not  admit  multiplicity.  All 
the  holy  manifestations  of  God  have  proclaimed  and  promulgated 
the  same  reality.  They  have  summoned  mankind  to  reality  itself 
and  reality  is  one.  The  clouds  and  mists  of  imitations  have 
obscured  the  Sun  of  Truth.  We  must  forsake  these  imitations,  dispel 
these  clouds  and  mists  and  free  the  Sun  from  the  darkness  of 
superstition.  Then  will  the  Sun  of  Truth  shine  most  gloriously; 
then  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  will  be  united,  the  religions  will 
be  one,  sects  and  denominations  will  reconcile,  all  nationalities  will 
flow  together  in  the  recognition  of  one  fatherhood  and  all  degrees 
of  humankind  gather  in  the  shelter  of  the  same  tabernacle,  under 
the  same  banner. 

Until  the  heavenly  civilization  is  founded,  no  result  will  be  forth- 
coming from  material  civilization,  even  as  you  obsei've.  See  what 
catastrophes  overwhelm  mankind.  Consider  the  wars  which  disturb 
the  world.  Consider  the  enmity  and  hatred.  The  existence  of 
these  wars  and  conditions  indicate  and  prove  that  the  heavenly 
civilization  has  not  yet  been  established.  If  the  civilization  of  the 
kingdom  be  spread  to  all  the  nations,  this  dust  of  disagreement 
will  be  dispelled,  these  clouds  will  pass  away  and  the  Sun  of 
Reality  in  its  greatest  effulgence  and  gloi-y  will  shine  upon  man- 
kind. 

0  God!  0  thou  who  givest!  This  congregation  is  turning  to 
thee,  casting  their  glances  toward  thy  kingdom  and  favor,  longing 


DISCOURSES  DELIVKKED  IN  CHICAGO  93 

to  behold  the  lights  of  thy  face.  0  God !  bless  this  nation.  Confirm 
this  government.  Reveal  thy  glory  unto  this  people  and  confer  upon 
them  life  eternal.  O  God!  illumine  the  faces,  render  the  hearts 
radiant,  exhilarate  the  breasts,  crown  the  heads  with  the  diadem 
of  thy  providence,  cause  them  to  soar  in  thy  pure  atmosphere  so 
they  may  reach  the  highest  pinnacles  of  thy  splendor.  Assist  them 
in  order  that  this  w^orld  may  ever  find  the  light  and  effulgence  of 
thy  presence.  0  God !  shelter  this  congregation  and  admonish  this 
nation.  Render  them  progressive  in  all  degrees.  May  they  become 
leaders  in  the  world  of  humanity.  INIay  they  be  thy  examples 
among  humankind.  May  they  be  manifestations  of  thy  grace.  May 
they  be  filled  with  the  inspiration  of  thy  Word.  Thou  art  the 
powerful!  Thou  art  the  mighty!  Thou  art  the  giver  and  thou 
art  the  omniscient! 


XV 

Mmj  5,  1912,  at  All-Souls  Church,  Lincoln  Center,  Chicago,  III. 

Notes   by   Marzieh   Moss 

THE  divine  religions  were  founded  for  the  purpose  of  unifying 
humanity  and  establishing  Universal  Peace.  Any  movement 
which  brings  about  peace  and  agreement  in  human  society  is  truly 
a  divine  movement;  any  reform  which  causes  people  to  come 
together  under  the  shelter  of  the  same  tabernacle  is  surely  animated 
by  heavenly  motives.  At  all  times  and  in  all  ages  of  the  world, 
religion  has  been  a  factor  in  cementing  together  the  hearts  of  men 
and  in  uniting  various  and  divergent  creeds.  It  is  the  peace  ele- 
ment in  religion  that  blends  mankind  and  makes  for  unity.  War- 
fare has  ever  been  the  cause  of  separation,  disunion  and  discord. 

Consider  how  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  united  the  divergent 
peoples,  sects  and  denominations  of  the  early  days.  It  is  evident 
that  the  fundamentals  of  religion  are  intended  to  unify  and  bind 
together ;  their  purpose  is  universal,  everlasting  peace.  Prior  to  the 
time  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ,  the  AVord  of  God  had  unified 
opposite  types  and  conflicting  elements  of  human  society ;  and  since 
his  appearance  the  divine  teachers  of  the  primal  principles  of  the 
law  of  God  have  all  intended  this  universal  outcome.  In  Persia  His 
Holiness  Bait  a  'Ullah  was  able  to  unite  people  of  varying  thought, 
creed  and  denomination.  The  inhabitants  of  that  countrj^  were 
Christians,  ]\[ohammedans,  Jews,  Zoroastrians  and  a  great  variety 
of  subdivided  forms  and  beliefs  together  with  racial  distinctions 
such   as    Semitic,    Arabic,    Persian.    Turk,   etc.,    but    through    the 


94       THE  PRO^IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

power  and  efficacy  of  religion  Baha  'Ullah  united  these  differing 
peoples  and  caused  them  to  consort  together  in  perfect  agreement. 
Such  unity  and  accord  became  manifest  among  them  that  they 
were  considered  as  one  people  and  one  kind. 

The  cause  of  this  fellowship  and  unity  lies  in  the  fact  that  the 
divine  law  has  two  distinct  aspects  or  functions ; — one  the  essential 
or  fundamental;  the  other  the  material  or  accidental.  The  first 
aspect  of  the  revealed  religion  of  God  is  that  which  concerns  the 
ethical  development  and  spiritual  progress  of  mankind,  the  awaken- 
ing of  potential  human  susceptibilities  and  the  descent  of  divine 
bestowals.  These  ordinances  are  changeless,  essential,  eternal.  The 
second  function  of  the  divine  religion  deals  with  material  condi- 
tions, the  laws  of  human  intercourse  and  social  regulation.  These 
are  subject  to  change  and  transformation  in  accordance  with  the 
time,  place  and  conditions.  The  essential  ordinances  of  religion 
were  the  same  during  the  time  of  Abraham,  the  day  of  Moses  and 
the  cycle  of  Jesus;  but  the  accidental  or  material  laws  were  abro- 
gated and  superseded  according  to  the  exigency  and  requirement  of 
each  succeeding  age.  For  example,  in  the  law  of  Moses  there  were 
ten  distinct  commandments  in  regard  to  murder  which  were 
revealed  according  to  the  requirement  and  capacity  of  the  people ; 
but  in  the  day  of  Jesus  these  were  abrogated  and  superseded  in 
conformity  with  the  changed  and  advanced  human  conditions. 

The  central  purpose  of  the  divine  religions  is  the  establishment 
of  peace  and  unity  among  mankind.  Their  reality  is  one,  therefore 
their  accomplishment  is  one  and  universal  whether  it  be  through 
the  essential  or  material  ordinances  of  God.  There  is  but  one  light 
of  the  material  sun,  one  ocean,  one  rain,  one  atmosphere.  Similarly, 
in  the  spiritual  world  there  is  one  divine  reality  forming  the  center 
and  altruistic  basis  for  peace  and  reconciliation  among  various  and 
conflicting  nations  and  peoples.  Consider  how  the  Roman  empire 
and  Greek  nation  were  at  war  in  enmity  and  hatred  after  the 
Messianic  day;  how  the  hostilities  of  Egypt  and  Assyria  though 
subdued  in  intensity  still  flamed  in  the  warring  element  of  these 
ancient  and  declining  nations;  but  the  teachings  of  His  Holiness 
Jesus  Christ  proved  to  be  the  cement  by  which  they  were  united ; 
warfare  ceased,  strife  and  hatred  passed  away  and  these  belligerent 
peoples  associated  in  love  and  friendship.  For  strife  and  warfare 
are  the  very  destroyers  of  human  foundations  whereas  peace  and 
amity  are  the  builders  and  safeguards  of  human  welfare.  As  an 
instance,  two  nations  which  have  remained  at  peace  for  centuries 
declare  war  against  each  other.  What  destruction  and  loss  befalls 
both  in  one  year  of  strife  and  conflict;  the  undoing  of  centuries. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CHICAGO  95 

How  urgent  their  necessity  and  demand  for  peace  with  its  comfort 
and  progress  instead  of  war  which  blasts  and  destroys  the  founda- 
tion of  all  human  attainment. 

The  body-politic  may  be  likened  to  the  human  organism.  As 
long  as  the  various  members  and  parts  of  that  organism  are 
coordinated  and  cooperating  in  harmony  we  have  as  a  result  the 
expression  of  life  in  its  fullest  degree.  When  these  members 
lack  coordination  and  harmony  we  have  the  reverse  which  in  the 
human  organism  is  disease,  dissolution,  death.  Similarly,  in  the 
body-politic  of  humanity,  dissension,  discord  and  warfare  are 
always  destructive  and  inevitably  fatal.  All  created  beings  are 
dependent  upon  peace  and  coordination,  for  every  contingent  and 
phenomenal  being  is  a  composition  of  distinct  elements.  As  long 
as  there  is  affinity  and  cohesion  among  these  constituent  elements 
strength  and  life  are  manifest  but  when  dissension  and  repulsion 
arise  among  them,  disintegration  follows.  This  is  proof  that  peace 
and  amity  which  God  has  willed  for  his  children  are  the  saving 
factors  of  human  society  whereas  war  and  strife  which  violate  his 
ordinances  are  the  cause  of  death  and  destruction.  Therefore  God 
has  sent  his  prophets  to  announce  the  message  of  good-will,  peace 
and  life  to  the  world  of  mankind. 

Inasmuch  as  the  essential  reality  of  the  religions  is  one  and  their 
seeming  variance  and  plurality  is  adherence  to  forms  and  imita- 
tions which  have  arisen,  it  is  evident  that  these  causes  of  difference 
and  divergence  must  be  abandoned  in  order  that  the  underlying 
reality  may  unite  mankind  in  its  enlightenment  and  upbuilding. 
All  who  hold  fast  to  the  one  reality  will  be  in  agreement  and  unity. 
Then  shall  the  religions  summon  people  to  the  oneness  of  the  world 
of  humanity  and  to  universal  justice ;  then  will  they  proclaim 
equality  of  rights  and  exhort  men  to  virtue  and  to  faith  in  the 
loving  mercy  of  God.  The  underlying  foundation  of  the  religions 
is  one;  there  is  no  intrinsic  difference  between  them.  Therefore 
if  the  essential  and  fundamental  ordinances  of  the  religions  be 
observed,  peace  and  unity  will  dawn  and  all  the  differences  of  sects 
and  denominations  will  disappear. 

And  now  let  us  consider  the  various  peoples  of  the  world.  All 
the  nations, — American,  British,  French,  Germans,  Turks,  Persians, 
Arabs  are  children  of  the  same  Adam,  members  of  the  same  human 
household.  Why  should  dissension  exist  among  them  ?  The  surface 
of  the  earth  is  one  nativity  and  that  nativity  was  provided  for  all. 
God  has  not  set  these  boundaries  and  race  limitations.  Why  should 
imaginary  barriers  which  God  has  not  originally  destined,  be  made 
a  cause  of  contention?    God  has  created  and  provided  for  all.    He 


96       THE  PRO:\IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

is  the  preserver  of  all,  and  all  are  submerged  in  the  ocean  of  his 
mercy.  Not  a  single  soul  is  deprived.  Inasmuch  as  we  have  such 
a  loving  God  and  creator  why  should  we  be  at  war  with  each  other  ? 
Now  that  his  light  is  shining  universally  why  should  we  cast  our- 
selves into  darkness"?  As  his  table  is  spread  for  all  his  children 
why  should  we  deprive  each  other  of  its  sustenance?  His  effulgence 
is  shining  upon  all  why  should  we  seek  to  live  among  the  shadows  ? 
There  is  no  doubt  that  the  only  cause  is  ignorance  and  that  the 
result  is  perdition.  Discord  deprives  humanity  of  the  eternal  favors 
of  God ;  therefore  we  must  forget  all  imaginary  causes  of  difference 
and  seek  the  very  fundamentals  of  the  divine  religions  in  order  that 
we  may  associate  in  perfect  love  and  accord,  consider  humankind 
as  one  family,  the  surface  of  the  earth  as  one  nationality  and  all 
races  as  one  humanity.  Let  us  live  under  the  protection  of  God, 
attaining  eternal  happiness  in  this  world  and  life  everlasting  in  the 
Avorld  to  come. 

0  thou  kind  Lord!  Thou  hast  created  all  humanity  from  the 
same  original  parents.  Thou  hast  intended  that  all  belong  to  the 
same  household.  In  thy  holy  presence  they  are  thy  servants  and 
all  mankind  are  sheltered  beneath  thy  tabernacle.  All  have  gathered 
at  thy  table  of  bounty  and  are  radiant  through  the  light  of  thy 
providence.  0  God!  Thou  art  kind  to  all,  thou  hast  provided 
for  all,  thou  dost  shelter  all,  thou  dost  confer  life  upon  all.  Thou 
hast  endowed  all  with  talents  and  faculties ;  all  are  submerged  in 
the  ocean  of  thy  mercy.  0  thou  kind  Lord!  unite  all,  let  the 
religions  agree,  make  the  nations  one  so  that  they  may  be  as  one 
kind  and  as  children  of  the  same  fatherland.  May  they  associate 
in  unity  and  concord.  0  God !  upraise  the  standard  of  the  oneness 
of  humankind.  0  God!  establish  the  "Most  Great  Peace." 
Cement  the  hearts  together,  0  God!  0  thou  kind  father,  God! 
exhilarate  the  hearts  through  the  fragrance  of  thy  love;  brighten 
the  eyes  through  the  light  of  thy  guidance ;  cheer  the  hearing  with 
the  melodies  of  thy  Word  and  shelter  us  in  the  cave  of  thy  provi- 
dence. Thou  art  the  mighty  and  powerful !  Thou  art  the  forgiving 
and  thou  art  the  one  who  overlookest  the  shortcomings  of 
humankind. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  Cleveland. 

May  6,  1912,  at  Eu-clid  Hall,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

THIS  is  a  very  joyous  evening,  an  evidence  in  itself  of  the 
possibility  of  uniting  the  east  and  the  west ;  an  eastern  man 
appearing  before  an  assemblage  of  reverent  western  people.  The 
east  and  west,  the  Orient  and  Occident  shall  be  united.  If  we  search 
history  we  shall  not  find  the  record  of  such  an  occasion  where  one 
has  traveled  from  the  far  east  to  the  far  west  to  address  a  meeting 
of  this  universal  character.  This  is  a  miracle  of  the  twentieth  cen- 
tury which  proves  that  the  seemingly  impossible  may  become  real 
and  possible  in  the  kingdom  of  man.  Praise  be  to  God !  the  dark 
ages  have  disappeared  and  the  age  of  light  has  at  last  arrived.  The 
Sun  of  Keality  has  dawned  with  supreme  effulgence,  the  realities 
of  things  have  become  manifest  and  renewed,  the  mysteries  of  the 
unknown  have  been  revealed  and  great  inventions  and  discoveries 
mark  this  period  as  a  most  wonderful  age. 

Through  the  ingenuity  and  inventions  of  man  it  is  possible  to 
cross  the  wide  oceans,  fly  through  the  air  and  travel  in  submarine 
depths.  At  any  moment  the  Orient  and  Occident  can  communicate 
with  each  other.  Trains  speed  across  the  continents.  The  human 
voice  has  been  arrested  and  reproduced  and  now  man  can  speak 
at  long  distances  from  any  point.  These  are  some  of  the  signs  of 
this  glorious  century.  The  great  progress  mentioned  has  taken 
place  in  the  material  world.  Remarkable  signs  and  evidences  have 
become  manifest.  Hidden  realities  and  mysteries  have  been  dis- 
closed. This  is  the  time  for  man  to  strive  and  put  forth  his  greatest 
efforts  in  spiritual  directions.  Material  civilization  has  reached  an 
advanced  plane  but  now  there  is  need  of  spiritual  civilization. 
Material  civilization  alone  will  not  satisfy;  it  cannot  meet  the 
conditions  and  requirements  of  the  present  age.  Its  benefits  are 
limited  to  the  world  of  matter.  There  is  no  limitation  to  the  spirit 
of  man,  for  spirit  in  itself  is  progressive  and  if  the  divine  civiliza- 
tion be  established  the  spirit  of  man  will  advance.  Every  developed 
susceptibility  will  increase  the  effectiveness  of  man.  Discoveries 
of  the  real,  will  become  more  and  more  possible  and  the  influence 
of  divine  guidance  will  be  increasingly  recognized.  All  this  is 
conducive  to  the  divine  form  of  civilization.   This  is  what  is  meant 

97 


98       THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

in  the  bible  by  the  descent  of  the  New  Jerusalem.  The  heavenly 
Jerusalem  is  none  other  than  the  divine  civilization,  and  it  is  now 
ready.  It  is  to  be  and  shall  be  organized  and  the  oneness  of 
humankind  will  be  a  visible  fact.  Humanity  will  then  be  brought 
together  as  one.  The  various  religions  will  be  united  and  different 
races  be  known  as  one  kind.  The  Orient  and  Occident  will  be  con- 
joined and  the  banner  of  international  peace  will  be  unfurled.  The 
world  shall  at  last  find  peace  and  the  equalities  and  rights  of  men 
shall  be  established.  The  capacity  of  humankind  will  be  tested  and 
a  degree  shall  be  attained  where  equality  is  a  reality. 

All  the  peoples  of  the  world  will  enjoy  like  interests  and  the 
poor  shall  possess  a  portion  of  the  comforts  of  life.  Just  as  the  rich 
are  surrounded  by  their  luxuries  in  palaces  the  poor  will  have  at 
least  their  comfortable  and  pleasant  places  of  abode;  and  just  as 
the  wealthy  enjoy  a  variety  of  food  the  needy  shall  have  their 
necessities  and  no  longer  live  in  poverty.  In  short,  a  readjustment 
of  the  economic  order  will  come  about,  the  divine  sonship  will 
attract,  the  Sun  of  Reality  will  shine  forth  and  all  phenomenal 
being  will  attain  a  portion. 

Consider;  what  is  this  material  civilization  of  the  day  giving 
forth?  Has  it  not  produced  the  instruments  of  warfare  and 
destruction?  In  olden  times  the  weapon  of  war  was  the  sword;" 
today  it  is  the  smokeless  gun.  Warships  a  century  ago  were  sailing 
vessels ;  now  we  have  dreadnoughts.  Instruments  and  means  of 
human  destruction  have  enormously  multiplied  in  this  era  of 
material  civilization.  But  if  material  civilization  shall  become 
organized  in  conjunction  with  divine  civilization,  if  the  man  of 
moral  integrity  and  intellectual  acumen  shall  unite  for  human 
betterment  and  uplift  with  the  man  of  spiritual  capacity,  the  hap- 
piness and  progress  of  the  human  race  will  be  assured.  All  the 
nations  of  the  world  will  then  be  closely  related  and  companionable, 
the  religions  will  merge  into  one,  for  the  divine  reality  within  them 
all  is  one  reality.  His  Holiness  Abraham  proclaimed  this  reality, 
Jesus  promulgated  it ;  all  the  prophets  who  have  appeared  in  the 
world  have  founded  their  teachings  upon  it.  Therefore  the  people 
of  the  world  have  this  one  true  unchangeable  basis  for  peace  and 
agreement,  and  war  which  has  raged  for  thousands  of  years  will 
pass  away. 

For  centuries  and  cycles  humanity  has  been  engaged  in  war  and 
conflict.  At  one  time  the  pretext  for  war  has  been  religion,  at 
another  time  patriotism,  racial  prejudice,  national  politics,  terri- 
torial conquest  or  commercial  expansion;  in  brief,  humanity  has 
never  been  at  peace  during  the  period  of  known  history.     What 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  CLEVELAND  99 

blood  has  been  shed!     How  many  fathers  have  mourned  the  loss 
of  sons ;  how  many  sons  have  wept  for  fathers,  and  mothers  for  dear 
ones !    Human  beings  have  been  the  food  and  targets  of  the  battle- 
field, and  everywhere  warfare  and  strife  have  been  the  theme  and 
burden  of  history.    Ferocity  has  characterized  men  even  more  than 
animals.     The  lion,  tiger,  bear  and  wolf  are  ferocious  because  of 
their  needs.    Unless  they  are  fierce,  cruel  and  unrelenting  they  will 
die  of  starvation.     The  lion  cannot  graze ;  its  teeth  are  fitted  only 
for  food  of  flesh.    This  is  also  true  of  other  wild  animals.    Ferocity 
is  natural  to  them  as  their  means  of  subsistence ;  but  human  ferocity 
proceeds  from  selfishness,  greed  and  oppression.     It  springs  from 
no  natural  necessity.     Man  needlessly  kills  a  thousand  fellow- 
creatures,  becomes  a  hero  and  is  glorified  through  centuries  of 
posterity.    A  great  city  is  destroyed  in  one  day  by  a  commanding 
general.    How  ignorant,  how  inconsistent  is  humankind !    If  a  man 
slays  another  man,  we  brand  him  as  a  murderer  and  criminal  and 
sentence  him  to  capital  punishment    but  if  he  kills  one  hundred 
thousand  men  he  is  a  military  genius,  a  great  celebrity,  a  Napoleon 
idolized  by  his  nation.     If  a  man  steals  one  dollar  he  is  called  a 
thief  and  put  into  prison;  if  he  rapes  and  pillages  an  innocent 
country  by  military  invasion  he  is  crowned  a  hero.    How  ignorant 
is  humankind!    Ferocity  does  not  belong  to  the  kingdom  of  man. 
It  is  the  province  of  man  to  confer  life  not  death.    It  behooves  him 
to  be  the  cause  of  human  welfare    but  inasmuch  as  he  glories  in 
the  savagery  of  animalism  it  is  an  evidence  that  divine  civilization 
has  not  been  established  in  human  society.     Material  civilization 
has  advanced  unmistakably    but  because  it  is  not  associated  with 
divine  civilization,  evil  and  wickedness  abound.     In  ancient  times 
if  two  nations  were  at  war  twelve  months,  not  over  twenty  thousand 
men  would  be  killed;  now  the  instruments  of  death  have  become 
so  multiplied  and  perfected  that  one  hundred  thousand  can  be 
destroyed  in  a  day.    In  three  months  during  the  Russian-Japanese 
war  one  million  perished.    This  was  undreamed  of  in  former  cycles. 
The  cause  is  the  absence  of  divine  civilization. 

This  revered  American  nation  presents  evidences  of  greatness 
and  worth.  It  is  my  hope  that  this  just  government  will  stand 
for  peace  so  that  warfare  may  be  abolished  throughout  the  world 
and  the  standards  of  national  unity  and  reconciliation  be  upraised. 
This  is  the  greatest  attainment  of  the  world  of  humanity.  This 
American  nation  is  equipped  and  empowered  to  accomplish  that 
which  will  adorn  the  pages  of  history,  to  become  the  envy  of  the 
world  and  be  blest  in  the  east  and  the  west  for  the  triumph  of  its 


100     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

democracy.     I  pray  that  this  may  come  to  pass    and  I  ask  the 
blessing  of  God  in  behalf  of  you  all. 


II 

3Iay  6,  1912,  at  Sanatorium  of  Dr.  C.  M.  Sivingle,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Notes  by  Sigel  T.  Brooks 

THIS  is  a  beautiful  city ;  the  climate  is  pleasant,  the  views  are 
charming.  All  the  cities  of  America  seem  to  be  large  and 
beautiful  and  the  people  appear  prosperous.  The  American  con- 
tinent gives  signs  and  evidences  of  very  great  advancement;  its 
future  is  even  more  promising,  for  its  influence  and  illumination 
are  far-reaching  and  it  will  lead  all  nations  spiritually.  The  flag 
of  freedom  and  banner  of  liberty  have  been  unfurled  here  but  the 
prosperity  and  advancement  of  a  city,  the  happiness  and  greatness 
of  a  country  depend  upon  its  hearing  and  obeying  the  call  of  God. 
The  light  of  reality  must  shine  therein  and  divine  civilization  be 
founded;  then  the  radiance  of  the  kingdom  will  be  diffused  and 
heavenly  influences  surround.  Material  civilization  is  likened  to 
the  body  whereas  divine  civilization  is  the  spirit  in  that  body. 
A  body  not  manifesting  the  spirit  is  dead ;  a  fruitless  tree  is  worth- 
less. Jesus  declares  that  there  is  spiritual  capacity  in  some  people ; 
for  all  are  not  submerged  in  the  sea  of  materialism.  They  seek  the 
divine  spirit,  they  turn  to  God,  they  long  for  the  kingdom.  It  is 
my  hope  that  these  revered  people  present  may  attain  both  material 
and  spiritual  progress.  As  they  have  advanced  wonderfully  in 
material  degrees  so  may  they  likewise  advance  in  spiritual  develop- 
ment until  the  body  shall  become  refined  and  beautiful  through  the 
wealth  of  spiritual  potentiality  and  efficiency. 

Praise  be  to  God !  the  Sun  of  Reality  has  dawned  and  its  efful- 
gences are  shining  from  all  horizons.  The  signs  of  God  are 
resplendent  and  the  teachings  of  the  heavenly  messengers  are  being 
spread.  May  the  hearts  be  directed  to  the  kingdom  of  God  and 
become  illuminated  by  witnessing  the  lights  of  God  in  order  that  all 
created  beings  may  obtain  a  portion  of  the  divine  bestowals.  May 
the  spirit  of  life  be  restored  through  the  divine  graces  of  the 
Almighty  and  may  the  east  and  west  be  bound  together.  May 
oneness  and  harmony  become  manifest  in  all  regions.  May  the 
people  of  the  world  become  as  one  family  and  obtain  the  everlasting 
iDOunty.  May  the  doors  of  the  kingdom  be  opened  from  all  direc- 
tions and  the  praise  of  the  name  Abha  be  heard  throughout  the 
earth. 


Discourse  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  Pittsburgh, 

May  7,  1912,  at  Hotel  Schenley,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

Notes  by  Suzanne  Beatty 

T  HAVE  come  from  the  Orient  to  visit  your  country.  Surely  this 
J-  continent  is  praiseworthy  from  all  points  of  view  and  there 
are  signs  of  prosperity  everywhere.  The  people  show  refinement, 
and  evidences  of  progressive  civilization  abound.  I  will  give  you 
a  brief  exposition  of  the  fundamental  principles  of  Baha  'Ullah  's 
teachings  in  order  that  you  may  be  informed  of  the  nature  and 
significance  of  the  Bahai  movement. 

About  sixty  years  ago  the  greatest  enmity  and  strife  existed 
among  the  various  peoples  and  religious  denominations  of  Persia. 
Throughout  the  world  generally,  war  and  dissension  prevailed.  At 
this  time  His  Holiness  Baiia  'Ullah  appeared  in  Persia  and  began 
devoting  himself  to  the  uplift  and  education  of  the  people.  He 
united  divergent  sects  and  creeds,  removed  religious,  racial, 
patriotic  and  political  prejudices  and  established  a  strong  bond  of 
unity  and  reconciliation  among  varying  degrees  and  classes  of 
mankind.  The  enmity  then  existing  among  the  people  was  so 
bitter  and  intense  that  even  ordinary  association  was  out  of  the 
question.  They  would  not  meet  and  consult  with  each  other  at  all. 
Through  the  power  of  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah  the  most 
wonderful  results  were  witnessed.  He  removed  the  prejudices  and 
hatred  from  human  hearts  and  wrought  such  transformation  in 
their  attitudes  toward  each  other  that  today  in  Persia  there  is 
perfect  accord  among  hitherto  bigoted  religionists,  varying  sects  and 
divergent  classes.  This  was  not  an  easy  accomplishment,  for  Baha 
'Ullah  underwent  severe  trials,  great  difficulties  and  violent  per- 
secution. He  was  imprisoned,  tortures  were  inflicted  upon  him 
and  finally  he  was  banished  from  his  native  land.  He  bore  every 
ordeal  and  infliction  cheerfully.  In  his  successive  exiles  from 
country  to  country  up  to  the  time  of  his  ascension  from  this 
world,  he  was  enabled  to  promulgate  his  teachings  even  from  prison. 
Wherever  his  oppressors  sent  him  he  hoisted  the  standard  of  the 
oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  promulgated  the  principles 
of  the  unity  of  mankind.  Some  of  these  principles  are  as  follows: 
First;  it  is  incumbent  upon  all  mankind  to  investigate  truth.  If 
such  investigation  be  made,  all  should  agree  and  be  united,  for 

101 


102     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

truth  or  reality  is  not  multiple ;  it  is  not  divisible.  The  different 
religions  have  one  truth  underlying  them;  therefore  their  reality 
is  one. 

Each  of  the  divine  religions  embodies  two  kinds  of  ordinances. 
The  first  are  those  which  concern  spiritual  susceptibilities,  the  devel- 
opment of  moral  principles  and  the  quickening  of  the  conscience  of 
man.  These  are  essential  or  fundamental,  one  and  the  same 
in  all  religions,  changeless  and  eternal,  reality  not  subject  to  trans- 
formation. His  Holiness  Abraham  heralded  this  reality.  His 
Holiness  Moses  promulgated  it  and  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ 
established  it  in  the  world  of  mankind.  All  the  divine  prophets 
and  messengers  were  the  instruments  and  channels  of  this  same 
eternal,  essential  truth. 

The  second  kind  of  ordinances  in  the  divine  religions  are  those 
which  relate  to  the  material  affairs  of  humankind.  These  are  the 
material  or  accidental  laws  which  are  subject  to  change  in  each  day 
of  manifestation,  according  to  exigencies  of  the  time,  conditions 
and  differing  capacities  of  humanity.  For  instance,  in  the  day  of 
Moses  ten  commandments  in  regard  to  murder  were  revealed  by 
him.  These  commandments  were  in  accordance  with  the  require- 
ments of  that  day  and  time.  Other  laws  embodying  drastic  pun- 
ishments were  enacted  by  Moses ;  an  eye  for  an  eye,  a  tooth  for  a 
tooth.  The  penalty  for  theft  was  amputation  of  the  hand.  These 
laws  and  penalties  were  applicable  to  the  degree  of  the  Israelitish 
people  of  that  period  who  dwelt  in  the  wilderness  and  desert  under 
conditions  where  severity  was  necessary  and  justifiable.  But  in 
the  time  of  Jesus  Christ  this  kind  of  law  was  not  expedient,  there- 
fore His  Holiness  abrogated  and  superseded  the  commands  of  Moses. 

In  brief;  every  one  of  the  divine  religions  contains  essential 
ordinances  which  are  not  subject  to  change,  and  material  ordinances 
which  are  abrogated  according  to  the  exigencies  of  time.  But  the 
people  of  the  world  have  forsaken  the  divine  teachings  and  followed 
forms  and  imitations  of  the  truth.  Inasmuch  as  these  human 
interpretations  and  superstitions  differ,  dissensions  and  bigotry 
have  arisen  and  strife  and  warfare  have  prevailed.  By  investigating 
the  truth  or  foundation  of  reality  underlying  their  own  and  other 
beliefs,  all  would  be  united  and  agreed,  for  this  reality  is  one;  it 
is  not  multiple  and  not  divisible. 

The  second  principle  or  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  procla- 
mation of  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity;  that  all  are 
servants  of  God  and  belong  to  one  family ;  that  God  has  created  all 
therefore  his  bestowals  are  universal ;  and  that  his  providence, 
training,  sustenance  and  loving-kindness  surround  all  mankind. 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IX  PITTSBURGH  103 

This  is  the  divine  policy  and  it  is  impossible  for  man  to  lay 
the  foundation  of  a  better  plan  and  policy  than  that  which  God  has 
instituted.  Therefore  we  must  recognize  and  assist  the  purpose  of 
the  glorious  Lord.  Inasmuch  as  God  is  kind  and  loving  to  all 
why  should  we  be  unkind  ?  As  this  human  world  is  one  household 
W'hy  should  its  members  be  occupied  with  animosity  and  conten- 
tion? Therefore  humanity  must  be  looked  upon  with  the  eye  of 
equal  estimate  and  in  the  same  attitude  of  love.  The  noblest  of  men 
is  he  who  serves  humankind,  and  he  is  nearest  the  threshold  of 
God  who  is  the  least  of  his  servants.  The  glory  and  majesty  of 
man  are  dependent  upon  his  servitude  to  his  fellow-creatures  and 
not  upon  the  exercise  of  hostility  and  hatred. 

The  third  principle  or  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  oneness 
of  religion  and  science.  Any  religious  belief  which  is  not  con- 
formable with  scientific  proof  and  investigation  is  superstition,  for 
true  science  is  reason  and  reality,  and  religion  is  essentially  reality 
and  pure  reason ;  therefore  the  two  must  correspond.  Religious 
teaching  which  is  at  variance  with  science  and  reason  is  human 
invention  and  imagination  unworthy  of  acceptance,  for  the  an- 
tithesis and  opposite  of  knowledge  is  superstition  born  of  the  ignor- 
ance of  man.  If  we  say  religion  is  opposed  to  science  we  either 
lack  knowledge  of  true  science  or  true  religion,  for  both  are 
founded  upon  the  premises  and  conclusions  of  reason  and  both 
must  bear  its  test. 

The  fourth  principle  or  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  read- 
justment and  equalization  of  the  economic  standards  of  mankind. 
This  deals  with  the  question  of  human  livelihood.  It  is  evident 
that  under  present  systems  and  conditions  of  government  the  poor 
are  subject  to  the  greatest  need  and  distress  while  others  more 
fortunate  live  in  luxury  and  plenty  far  beyond  their  actual  necessi- 
ties. This  inequality  of  portion  and  privilege  is  one  of  the  deep 
and  vital  problems  of  human  society.  That  there  is  need  of  an 
equalization  and  apportionment  by  which  all  may  possess  the  com- 
forts and  privileges  of  life  is  evident.  The  remedy  must  be  legis- 
lative readjustment  of  conditions.  The  rich  too  must  be  merciful 
to  the  poor,  contributing  from  willing  hearts  to  their  needs  without 
being  forced  or  compelled  to  do  so.  The  composure  of  the  world 
will  be  assured  by  the  establishment  of  this  principle  in  the  religious 
life  of  mankind. 

The  fifth  principle  or  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  abandon- 
ing of  religious,  racial,  patriotic  and  political  prejudices  which 
destroy  the  foundations  of  human  society.  All  mankind  are 
creatures  and  servants  of  the  one  God.     The  surface  of  the  earth 


104     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

is  one  home;  humanity  is  one  family  and  household.  Distinctions 
and  boundaries  are  artificial,  human.  Why  should  there  be  discord 
and  strife  among  men?  All  must  become  united  and  coordinated 
in  service  to  the  world  of  humanity. 

The  sixth  principle  or  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  concerns  the 
equality  of  man  and  woman.  He  has  declared  that  in  the  estima- 
tion of  God  there  is  no  distinction  of  sex.  The  one  whose  heart  is 
most  pure,  whose  deeds  and  service  in  the  cause  of  God  are  greater 
and  nobler  is  most  acceptable  before  the  divine  threshold,  whether 
male  or  female.  In  the  vegetable  and  animal  kingdoms  sex  exists 
in  perfect  equality  and  without  distinction  or  invidious  estimate. 
The  animal  although  inferior  to  man  in  intelligence  and  reason 
recognizes  sex  equality.  Why  should  man  who  is  endowed  with  the 
sense  of  justice  and  sensibilities  of  conscience  be  willing  that  one 
of  the  members  of  the  human  family  should  be  rated  and  considered 
as  subordinate?  Such  differentiation  is  neither  intelligent  nor 
conscientious ;  therefore  the  principle  of  religion  has  been  revealed 
by  Baha  'Ullah  that  woman  must  be  given  the  privilege  of  equal 
education  with  man  and  full  right  to  his  prerogatives.  That  is  to 
say,  there  must  be  no  difference  in  the  education  of  male  and 
female,  in  order  that  womankind  may  develop  equal  capacity  and 
importance  with  man  in  the  social  and  economic  equation.  Then 
the  world  will  attain  unity  and  harmony.  In  past  ages  humanity 
has  been  defective  and  inefficient  because  incomplete.  War  and  its 
ravages  have  blighted  the  world.  The  education  of  woman  will  be 
a  mighty  step  toward  its  abolition  and  ending  for  she  will  use  her 
whole  influence  against  war.  Woman  rears  the  child  and  educates 
the  youth  to  maturity.  She  will  refuse  to  give  her  sons  for  sacrifice 
upon  the  field  of  battle.  In  truth  she  will  be  the  greatest  factor 
in  establishing  Universal  Peace  and  international  arbitration. 
Assuredly  woman  will  abolish  warfare  among  mankind.  Inasmuch 
as  human  society  consists  of  two  factors,  the  male  and  female,  each 
the  complement  of  the  other,  the  happiness  and  stability  of  hu- 
manity cannot  be  assured  unless  both  are  perfected.  Therefore 
the  standard  and  status  of  man  and  woman  must  become  equalized. 

Among  other  teachings  and  principles  Baha  'Ullah  counsels 
the  education  of  all  members  of  society.  No  individual  should  be 
denied  or  deprived  of  intellectual  training  although  each  should 
receive  according  to  capacity.  None  must  be  left  in  the  grades  of 
ignorance,  for  ignorance  is  a  defect  in  the  human  world.  All  man- 
kind must  be  given  a  knowledge  of  science  and  philosophy;  that 
is,  as  much  as  may  be  deemed  necessary.    All  cannot  be  scientists 


DISCOURSE    DELIVERED    IN   PITTSBURGH        105 

and  philosophers    but  each  shoukl  be  educated  according  to  his 
needs  and  deserts. 

Baha  'Ullaii  teaches  that  the  world  of  humanity  is  in  need  of 
the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  in  spiritual  quickening  and 
enlightenment  true  oneness  is  attained  with  God  and  man.  The 
"Most  Great  Peace"  cannot  be  assured  through  racial  force  and 
eflfort ;  it  cannot  be  established  by  patriotic  devotion  and  sacrifice ; 
for  nations  differ  widely  and  local  patriotism  has  limitations. 
Furthermore,  it  is  evident  that  political  power  and  diplomatic  ability 
are  not  conducive  to  universal  agreement,  for  the  interests  of  gov- 
ernments are  varied  and  selfish ;  nor  will  international  harmony 
and  reconciliation  be  an  outcome  of  human  opinions  concentrated 
upon  it,  for  opinions  are  faulty  and  intrinsically  diverse.  Universal 
Peace  is  an  impossibility  through  human  and  material  agencies; 
it  must  be  through  spiritual  power.  There  is  need  of  a  universal 
impelling  force  which  will  establish  the  oneness  of  humanity  and 
destroy  the  foundations  of  war  and  strife.  No  other  than  the 
divine  power  can  do  this;  therefore  it  will  be  accomplished  through 
the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

No  matter  how  far  the  material  world  advances  it  cannot 
establish  the  happiness  of  mankind.  Only  when  material  and 
spiritual  civilization  are  linked  and  coordinated  will  happiness  be 
assured.  Then  material  civilization  will  not  contribute  its  energies 
to  the  forces  of  evil  in  destroying  the  oneness  of  humanity,  for  in 
material  civilization  good  and  evil  advance  together  and  maintain 
the  same  pace.  For  example,  consider  the  material  progress  of 
man  in  the  last  decade.  Schools  and  colleges,  hospitals,  philan- 
thropic institutions,  scientific  academies  and  temples  of  philosophy 
have  been  founded,  but  hand  in  hand  with  these  evidences  of 
development,  the  invention  and  production  of  means  and  weapons 
for  human  destruction  have  correspondingly  increased.  In  early 
days  the  weapon  of  war  was  the  sword;  now  it  is  the  magazine 
rifle.  Among  the  ancients  men  fought  with  javelins  and  daggers; 
now  they  employ  shells  and  bombs.  Dreadnoughts  are  built,  tor- 
pedoes invented  and  every  few  days  a  new  ammunition  is  forth- 
coming. 

All  this  is  the  outcome  of  material  civilization;  therefore 
although  material  advancement  furthers  good  purposes  in  life, 
at  the  same  time  it  serves  evil  ends.  The  divine  civilization  is 
good  because  it  cultivates  morals.  Consider  what  the  prophets  of 
God  have  contributed  to  human  morality.  His  Holiness  Jesus 
Christ  summoned  all  to  the  "]\Iost  Great  Peace"  through  the 
acquisition  of  pure  morals.    If  the  moral  precepts  and  foundations 


106     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

of  divine  civilization  become  united  with  the  material  advancement 
of  man,  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  happiness  of  the  human  worid 
will  be  attained  and  from  every  direction  the  glad-tidings  of  peace 
upon  earth  will  be  announced.  Then  humankind  will  achieve 
extraordinary  progress,  the  sphere  of  human  intelligence  will 
be  immeasurably  enlarged,  wonderful  inventions  will  appear 
and  the  spirit  of  God  will  reveal  itself;  all  men  will  consort 
in  joy  and  fragrance,  and  life  eternal  will  be  conferred  upon  the 
children  of  the  kingdom.  Then  will  the  power  of  the  divine  make 
itself  effective  and  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  penetrate  the 
essence  of  all  things.  Therefore  the  material  and  the  divine  or 
merciful  civilizations  must  progress  together  until  the  highest  as- 
pirations and  desires  of  humanity  shall  become  realized. 

These  are  a  few  of  the  teachings  and  principles  of  Baha  'Ullah 
briefly  presented  so  that  you  may  be  informed  of  their  significance 
and  purpose  and  find  them  a  stimulus  to  your  knowledge  and 
action.  I  ask  God  to  assist  this  prosperous  and  progressive  nation 
and  to  bestow  his  blessings  upon  this  just  government  and  wonder- 
ful continent  of  the  west. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered  in  New  York, 
Montclair  and  Jersey  City. 

May  11,  1912,   at  227  Riverside  Drive,  New  York. 

Notes  by  John  G.  Grundy 

IT  IS  only  three  weeks  that  we  have  been  away  from  the  New 
York  friends,  yet  so  great  has  been  the  longing  to  see  you  that  it 
seems  like  three  months.  We  have  had  no  rest  by  day  or  night 
since  we  left  you ;  either  traveling,  moving  about  or  speaking ;  yet 
it  was  all  so  pleasantly  done  and  we  have  been  most  happy.  Praise 
be  to  God!  everywhere  and  all  the  time  it  has  been  "harakat, " 
' '  harakat, "  * '  harakat "  ( ' '  motion, ""  motion, "  "  motion  " ) . 

The  friends  in  America  are  very  good.  All  the  people  we  have 
met  here  are  kind  and  pleasant.  They  are  polite  and  not  antago- 
nistic although  somewhat  inquisitive.  A  small  minority  of  them 
seem  prejudiced,  yet  even  these  have  their  good  points.  The 
American  people  have  a  real  love  for  advancement.  They  are  not 
content  to  stand  still.  They  are  most  energetic  and  progressive. 
When  you  see  a  tree  growing  and  developing  be  hopeful  of  its 
outcome.  It  will  blossom  and  bear  fruit  eventually.  If  you  see 
dry  wood  or  old  trees,  there  is  no  hope  whatever  of  fruitage. 

The  questions  asked  us  have  been  opportune  and  to  the  point. 
Our  answers  have  not  been  utilized  for  controversy  and  argument. 
We  met  savants  and  learned  men  and  satisfied  them  with  our 
explanations.  Important  people  expressed  their  satisfaction  and 
pleasure  at  our  replies  to  their  inquiries.  In  brief,  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find  in  the  aggregate  of  people  we  met,  any  one  who  was 
dissatisfied.  Some  scholastic  minds  aimed  only  at  fruitless  dis- 
cussion. In  Chicago  we  met  two  clergymen, — delivering  an  address 
at  the  church  of  one  and  having  dinner  with  the  other.  Both  mani- 
fested great  love.  Likewise  among  all  the  people  we  met,  not  a 
single  soul  arose  in  opposition  or  went  away  disappointed. 

Yesterday  in  Washington  we  met  a  group  of  important  people. 
One  prominent  in  political  circles  came  with  a  justice  of  the 
supreme  court.  There  were  many  ladies  of  the  diplomatic  circle 
present.  After  we  had  spoken,  the  politician  referred  to  raised  the 
point  that  the  foundation  of  all  religions  from  time  immemorial 
had  been  peace,  love  and  accord, — principles  conducive  to  fellow- 
ship and  unification, — yet  Jesus,  he  declared  had  been  "the  cause 
of  discord  and  strife  and  not  a  factor  in  the  realization  of  unity." 

107 


108     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

"Therefore,"  he  said  "I  cannot  accept  your  statements  and  ex- 
planations that  religion  has  been  the  source  of  human  betterment. ' ' 
After  we  explained  further  he  said  "What  you  have  stated  may 
cause  me  to  change  my  views  and  agree  with  you."  During  this 
time  the  justice  remained  silent.  Fearing  he  might  have  some 
feeling  of  dissatisfaction  we  asked  if  anything  presented  had  been 
objectionable  to  his  opinion.  He  replied  "Not  at  all!  Not  at 
all!  It's  all  right!  It's  all  right!"  This  is  the  characteristic 
expression  of  the  Occident,— "All  right!"  "All  right!" 

There  were  also  present  at  this  meeting  several  cabinet  officers, 
United  States  senators,  many  from  the  foreign  diplomatic  service, 
army  and  navy  officials  and  other  dignitaries.  The  servant  of  God, 
our  hostess,  experienced  much  trouble  in  preparation  and  entertain- 
ment but  was  always  active  and  energetic  in  service,  inviting 
important  and  influential  people  to  the  gatherings.  We  spoke  to  all 
from  their  own  standpoints  with  most  satisfactory  results ;  working 
day  and  night,  so  there  was  very  little  time  for  individual  and 
private  interviews. 

In  Washington  too,  we  called  a  meeting  of  the  colored  and  white 
people.  The  attendance  was  very  large,  the  colored  people  predom- 
inating. At  our  second  gathering  this  was  reversed  but  at  the 
third  meeting  we  were  unable  to  say  which  color  predominated. 
These  meetings  were  a  great  practical  lesson  upon  the  unity  of 
colors  and  races  in  the  Bahai  teaching. 

We  said  in  part:  The  black  man  must  ever  be  grateful  to  the 
white  man  for  he  has  manifested  great  courage  and  self-sacrifice  in 
behalf  of  the  colored  race.  Four  years  he  fought  their  cause, 
enduring  severe  hardships,  sacrificing  life,  family,  treasure,  all 
for  his  black  brother  until  the  great  war  ended  in  the  proclamation 
of  freedom.  By  this  effort  and  accomplishment  the  black  race 
throughout  the  world  was  influenced  and  benefited.  Had  this  not 
been  accomplished  the  black  man  in  Africa  would  still  be  bound 
by  the  chains  of  slavery.  Therefore  his  race  should  everywhere  be 
grateful,  for  no  greater  evidence  of  humanism  and  courageous 
devotion  could  be  shown  than  the  white  man  has  displayed.  If  the 
colored  people  of  the  United  States  forget  this  sacrifice,  zeal  and 
manhood  on  the  part  of  the  whites  no  ingratitude  could  be  greater 
or  more  censurable.  If  they  could  see  the  wretched  conditions  and 
surroundings  of  the  black  people  of  Africa  today,  the  contrast 
would  be  apparent  and  the  fact  clearly  evident  that  the  colored 
race  in  America  enjoys  incomparable  advantages.  The  comfort 
and  civilization  under  which  they  live  here  are  due  to  the  white 
man's  effort  and  sacrifice.     Had  this  sacrifice  not  been  made  they 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED   IN  :\IONTCLAIR  109 

would  still  be  in  the  bonds  and  chains  of  slavery,  scarcely  lifted 
out  of  an  aboriginal  condition.  Therefore  always  show  forth  your 
gratitude  to  the  white  man.  Eventually  all  differences  will  dis- 
appear and  you  will  completely  win  his  friendship. 

God  makes  no  distinction  between  the  white  and  black.  If  the 
hearts  are  pure  both  are  acceptable  before  him.  God  is  no  respecter 
of  persons  on  account  of  color  or  race.  All  colors  are  acceptable 
to  him,  be  they  white,  black  or  yellow.  Inasmuch  as  all  were 
created  in  the  image  of  God  we  must  bring  ourselves  to  realize  that 
all  embody  divine  possibilities.  If  you  go  into  a  garden  and  find 
all  the  flowers  alike  in  form,  species  and  color,  the  effect  is 
wearisome  to  the  eye.  The  garden  is  more  beautiful  when  the 
flowers  are  many  colored  and  different;  the  variety  lends  charm 
and  adornment.  In  a  flock  of  doves  some  are  white,  some  black, 
red,  blue,  yet  they  make  no  distinction  among  themselves.  All  are 
doves  no  matter  what  the  color. 

This  variety  in  forms  and  colorings  which  is  manifest  in  all  the 
kingdoms  is  according  to  creative  wisdom  and  has  divine  purpose. 
Nevertheless,  whether  the  creatures  be  all  alike  or  all  different 
should  not  be  the  cause  of  strife  and  quarreling  among  them. 
Especially  why  should  man  find  cause  for  discord  in  the  color  or 
race  of  his  fellow-creature?  No  educated  or  illumined  mind  will 
allow  that  this  differentiation  and  discord  should  exist  or  that  there 
is  any  ground  for  it.  Therefore  the  whites  should  be  just  and  kind 
to  the  colored  people  who  in  turn  should  reflect  an  equal  measure 
of  appreciation  and  gratitude.  Then  will  the  world  become  as  one 
great  garden  of  flowering  humanity,  variegated  and  multi-colored, 
rivaling  each  other  only  in  the  virtues  and  graces  which  are 
spiritual. 

II 

May  12,  1912,  at  Unity  Church,  Montclair,  N.  J. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

I  WISH  to  speak  upon  the  subject  of  "Divine  Unity,"  the  "One- 
ness of  God, ' '  before  this  revered  assemblage. 
It  is  a  self-evident  fact  that  phenomenal  existence  can  never 
grasp  nor  comprehend  the  ancient  and  essential  reality.  Utter  weak- 
ness cannot  understand  absolute  strength.  When  we  view  the 
world  of  creation  we  discover  differences  in  degree  which  make  it 
impossible  for  the  lower  to  comprehend  the  higher.  For  example, 
the  mineral  kingdom,  no  matter  how  much  it  may  advance  can 


110     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

never  comprehend  the  phenomena  of  the  vegetable  kingdom. 
Whatever  development  the  vegetable  may  attain,  it  can  have  no 
message  from  nor  come  in  touch  with  the  kingdom  of  the  animal. 
However  perfect  may  be  the  growth  of  a  tree  it  cannot  realize 
the  sensation  of  sight,  hearing,  smell,  taste  and  touch;  these  are 
beyond  its  limitation.  Although  it  is  the  possessor  of  existence  in 
the  world  of  creation,  a  tree  nevertheless  has  no  knowledge  of  the 
superior  degree  of  the  animal  kingdom.  Likewise  no  matter  how 
great  the  advancement  of  the  animal  it  can  have  no  idea  of  the 
human  plane ;  no  knowledge  of  intellect  and  spirit.  Difference  in 
degree  is  an  obstacle  to  this  comprehension.  A  lower  degree  cannot 
comprehend  a  higher  although  all  are  in  the  same  world  of  creation, 
whether  mineral,  vegetable  or  animal.  Degree  is  the  barrier  and 
limitation.  In  the  human  plane  of  existence  we  can  say  we  have 
knowledge  of  a  vegetable,  its  qualities  and  product,  but  the  vege- 
table has  no  knowledge  or  comprehension  whatever  of  us.  No 
matter  how  near  perfection  this  rose  may  advance  in  its  own 
sphere  it  can  never  possess  hearing  and  sight.  Inasmuch  as  in  the 
creational  world  which  is  phenomenal,  difference  of  degree  is  an 
obstacle  or  hindrance  to  comprehension,  how  can  the  human  being 
which  is  a  created  exigency  comprehend  the  ancient  divine  reality 
which  is  essential  ?  This  is  impossible  because  the  reality  of  divinity 
is  sanctified  beyond  the  comprehension  of  the  created  being  man. 

Furthermore,  that  which  man  can  grasp  is  finite  to  man,  and 
man  to  it  is  as  infinite.  Is  it  possible  then  for  the  reality  of  divinity 
to  be  finite  and  the  human  creature  infinite?  On  the  contrary 
the  reverse  is  true ;  the  human  is  finite  while  the  essence  of 
divinity  is  infinite.  Whatever  comes  within  the  sphere  of  human 
comprehension  must  be  limited  and  finite.  As  the  essence  of 
divinity  transcends  the  comprehension  of  man,  therefore  God 
brings  forth  certain  manifestations  of  the  divine  reality  upon 
whom  he  bestows  heavenly  effulgences  in  order  that  they  may  be 
intermediaries  between  humanity  and  himself.  These  holy  mani- 
festations or  prophets  of  God  are  as  mirrors  which  have  acquired 
illumination  from  the  Sun  of  Truth,  but  the  Sun  does  not  descend 
from  its  high  zenith  and  does  not  effect  entrance  within  the  mirror. 
In  truth  this  mirror  has  attained  complete  polish  and  purity  until 
the  utmost  capacity  of  reflection  has  been  developed  in  it,  therefore 
the  Sun  of  Reality  with  its  fullest  effulgence  and  splendor  is 
revealed  therein.  These  mirrors  are  earthly  whereas  the  reality 
of  divinity  is  in  its  highest  apogee.  Although  its  lights  are  shining 
and  its  heat  is  manifest  in  them,  although  these  mirrors  are  telling 
their  story  of  its  effulgence,  the  Sun  nevertheless  remains  in  its  own 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  MONTCLAIR  111 

lofty  station;  it  does  not  descend,  it  docs  not  effect  entrance, 
because  it  is  holy  and  sanctified. 

The  Sun  of  Divinity  and  of  Reality  has  revealed  itself  in  various 
mirrors.  Though  these  mirrors  are  many,  yet  the  Sun  is  one.  The 
bestowals  of  God  are  one ;  the  reality  of  the  divine  religion  is  one. 
Consider  how  the  one  and  same  light  has  reflected  itself  in  the 
different  mirrors  or  manifestations  of  it.  There  are  certain  souls 
who  are  lovers  of  the  Sun ;  they  perceive  the  eft'ulgence  of  the  Sun 
from  every  mirror.  They  are  not  fettered  or  attached  to  the  mir- 
rors; they  are  attached  to  the  Sun  itself  and  adore  it  no  matter 
from  what  point  it  may  shine.  But  those  who  adore  the  mirror 
and  are  attached  to  it,  become  deprived  of  witnessing  the  light  of 
the  Sun  when  it  shines  forth  from  another  mirror.  For  instance, 
the  Sun  of  Reality  revealed  itself  from  the  Mosaic  mirror.  The 
people  who  were  sincere  accepted  and  believed  in  it.  When  the 
same  Sun  shone  from  the  Messianic  mirror,  the  Jews  who  were  not 
lovers  of  the  Sun  and  who  were  fettered  by  their  adoration  of  the 
mirror  of  Moses  did  not  perceive  the  lights  and  effulgences  of  the 
Sun  of  Reality  resplendent  in  Jesus,  therefore  they  were  deprived 
of  its  bestowals.  Yet  the  Sun  of  Reality,  the  Word  of  God  shone 
from  the  Messianic  mirror  through  the  wonderful  channel  of  Jesus 
Christ  more  fully  and  more  wonderfully.  Its  effulgences  were 
manifestly  radiant  but  even  to  this  day  the  Jews  are  holding  to 
the  IMosaic  mirror.  Therefore  they  are  bereft  of  witnessing  the 
lights  of  eternity  in  Jesus. 

In  brief ;  the  sun  is  one  sun,  the  light  is  one  light  which  shines 
upon  all  phenomenal  being.  Every  creature  has  a  portion  there- 
of, but  the  pure  mirror  can  reveal  the  story  of  its  bounty  more  fully 
and  completely.  Therefore  we  must  adore  the  light  of  the  Sun  no 
matter  through  what  mirror  it  may  be  revealed.  We  must  not 
entertain  prejudice,  for  prejudice  is  an  obstacle  to  realization.  In- 
asmuch as  the  effulgence  is  one  effulgence,  the  human  realities  must 
all  become  recipients  of  the  same  light,  recognizing  in  it  the  com- 
pelling force  that  unites  them  in  its  illumination. 

As  this  is  the  radiant  century,  it  is  my  hope  that  the  Sun  of 
Truth  may  illumine  all  humanity.  May  the  eyes  be  opened  and 
the  ears  become  attentive ;  may  souls  become  resuscitated  and  con- 
sort together  in  the  utmost  harmony  as  recipients  of  the  same  light. 
Perchance  God  will  remove  this  strife  and  warfare  of  thousands  of 
years.  ]\Iay  this  bloodshed  pass  away,  this  tyranny  and  oppression 
cease,  this  warfare  be  ended.  May  the  light  of  love  shine  forth  and 
illumine  hearts  and  may  human  lives  be  cemented  and  connected 
until  all  of  us  may  find  agreement  and  tranquillity  beneath  the 


112     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

same  tabernacle,  and  with  the  standard  of  the  ''Most  Great  Peace" 
above  us  move  steadily  onward. 

0  kind  Lord !  Thou  who  art  generous  and  merciful !  We  are 
the  sei-vants  of  thy  threshold  and  we  are  under  the  protection  of 
thy  mercy.  The  Sun  of  thy  providence  is  shining  upon  all  and  the 
clouds  of  thy  mercy  shower  upon  all.  Thy  gifts  encompass  all, 
thy  providence  sustains  all,  thy  protection  overshadows  all  and 
the  glances  of  thy  favor  illumine  all.  0  Lord !  grant  unto  us  thine 
infinite  bestowals  and  let  thy  light  of  guidance  shine.  Illumine 
the  eyes,  make  joyous  the  souls  and  confer  a  new  spirit  upon  the 
hearts.  Give  them  eternal  life.  Open  the  doors  of  thy  knowledge ; 
let  the  light  of  faith  shine.  Unite  and  bring  mankind  into  one 
shelter  beneath  the  banner  of  thy  protection  so  that  they  may 
become  as  waves  of  one  sea,  as  leaves  and  branches  of  one  tree,  and 
may  assemble  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  same  tent.  May  they 
drink  from  the  same  fountain.  May  they  be  refreshed  by  the  same 
breezes.  May  they  obtain  illumination  from  the  same  source  of 
light  and  life.    Thou  art  the  giver,  the  merciful ! 

Ill 

3Iay  12,  1912,  at  Grace  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 

West  104th  St.,  New  York. 

Meeting  of  International  Peace  Forum. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

WHEN  we  review  history  from  the  beginning  down  to  the 
present  day  we  find  that  strife  and  warfare  have  prevailed 
throughout  the  human  world.  Wars,  religious,  racial  or  political 
have  arisen  from  human  ignorance,  misunderstanding  and  lack  of 
education.  We  will  first  consider  religious  strife  and  conflict. 

It  is  evident  that  the  divine  prophets  have  appeared  in  the 
world  to  establish  love  and  agreement  among  mankind.  They 
have  been  the  shepherds  and  not  the  wolves.  The  shepherd  comes 
forth  to  gather  and  lead  his  flock  and  not  to  disperse  them  by 
creating  strife.  Every  divine  shepherd  has  assembled  a  flock  which 
had  formerly  been  scattered.  Among  the  shepherds  was  His 
Holiness  Moses.  At  a  time  when  the  tribes  of  Israel  were  wander- 
ing and  dispersed,  he  assembled,  united  and  educated  them  to 
higher  degrees  of  capacity  and  progress  until  they  passed  out 
of  the  wilderness  of  discipline  into  the  holy  land  of  possession. 
He  transformed  their  degradation  into  glory,  changed  their  poverty 
into  wealth  and  replaced  their  vices  by  virtues  until  they  rose  to 
such  a  zenith  that  the  splendor  of  the  sovereignty  of  Solomon  was 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  113 

made  possible  and  the  fame  of  their  civilization  extended  to  the 
east  and  the  west.  It  is  evident  therefore  that  His  Holiness  was  a 
divine  shepherd  for  he  gathered  the  tribes  of  Israel  together  and 
united  them  in  the  power  and  strength  of  a  great  nationhood. 

"When  the  Messianic  star  of  Jesus  Christ  dawned,  he  declared 
he  had  come  to  gather  together  the  lost  tribes  or  scattered  sheep 
of  Moses.  He  not  only  shepherded  the  flock  of  Israel,  but  brought 
together  people  of  Chaldea,  Egypt,  Syria,  ancient  Assyria  and 
Phoenicia.  These  people  were  in  a  state  of  utmost  hostility,  thirst- 
ing for  the  blood  of  each  other  with  the  ferocity  of  animals ;  but 
His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  brought  them  together,  cemented  and 
united  them  in  his  cause  and  established  such  a  bond  of  love  among 
them  that  enmity  and  warfare  were  abandoned.  It  is  evident 
therefore  that  the  divine  teachings  are  intended  to  create  a  bond 
of  unity  in  the  human  world  and  establish  the  foundations  of  love 
and  fellowship  among  mankind.  Divine  religion  is  not  a  cause  for 
discord  and  disagreement.  If  religion  becomes  the  source  of  antag- 
onism and  strife,  the  absence  of  religion  is  to  be  preferred. 
Religion  is  meant  to  be  the  quickening  life  of  the  body-politic ;  if 
it  be  the  cause  of  death  to  humanity,  its  non-existence  would  be  a 
blessing  and  benefit  to  man.  Therefore  in  this  day  the  divine 
teachings  must  be  sought,  for  they  are  the  remedies  for  the  present 
conditions  of  the  world  of  humanity.  The  purpose  of  a  remedy  is 
to  heal  and  cure.  If  it  be  productive  of  worse  symptoms  its 
absence  or  discontinuance  is  preferable. 

At  a  time  when  the  Arabian  tribes  and  nomadic  peoples  were 
widely  separated,  living  in  the  deserts  under  lawless  conditions, 
strife  and  bloodshed  continual  among  them,  no  tribe  free  from  the 
menace  of  attack  and  destruction  by  another, — at  such  a  critical 
time  Mohammed  appeared.  He  gathered  these  wild  tribes  of  the 
desert  together,  reconciled,  united  and  caused  them  to  agree  so  that 
enmity  and  warfare  ceased.  The  Arabian  nation  immediately 
advanced  until  its  dominion  extended  westward  to  Spain  and  An- 
dalusia. 

From  these  facts  and  premises  we  may  conclude  that  the  estab- 
lishing of  the  divine  religions  is  for  peace,  not  for  war  and  the 
shedding  of  blood.  Inasmuch  as  all  are  founded  upon  one  reality 
which  is  love  and  unity,  the  wars  and  dissensions  which  have  char- 
acterized the  history  of  religion  have  been  due  to  imitations  and 
superstitions  which  arise  afterward.  Religion  is  reality  and  reality 
is  one.  The  fundamentals  of  the  religion  of  God  are  therefore  one 
in  reality.  There  is  neither  difference  nor  change  in  the  funda- 
mentals.    Variance  is  caused  by  blind  imitations,  prejudices  and 


114     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

adherence  to  forms  which  appear  later,  and  inasmuch  as  these  differ, 
discord  and  strife  result.  If  the  religions  of  the  world  would  for- 
sake these  causes  of  difficulty  and  seek  the  fundamentals,  all  would 
agree,  and  strife  and  dissension  would  pass  away ;  for  religion  and 
reality  are  one  and  not  multiple. 

Other  wars  are  caused  by  purely  imaginary  racial  differences; 
for  humanity  is  one  kind,  one  race  and  progeny  inhabiting  the 
same  globe.    In  the  creative  plan  there  is  no  racial  distinction  and 
separation  such  as  Frenchman,  Englishman,  American,  German, 
Italian  or  Spaniard ;  all  belong  to  one  household.    These  boundaries 
and  distinctions  are  human  and  artificial,  not  natural  and  original. 
All  mankind  are  the  fruits  of  one  tree,  flowers  of  the  same  garden, 
waves  of  one  sea.    In  the  animal  kingdom  no  such  distinction  and 
separation  are  observed.     The  sheep  of  the  east  and  the  sheep  of 
the  west  would  associate  peacefully.    The  oriental  flock  would  not 
look  surprised  as  if  saying  ' '  These  are  sheep  of  the  Occident ;  they 
do  not  belong  to  our  country."    All  would  gather  in  harmony  and 
enjoy  the  same  pasture  without  evidence  of  local  or  racial  distinc- 
tion.   The  birds  of  different  countries  mingle  in  friendliness.    We 
find  these  virtues  in  the  animal  kingdom.    Shall  man  deprive  him- 
self of  these  virtues?     Man  is  endowed  with  superior  reasoning 
power  and  the  faculty  of  perception;  he  is  the  manifestation  of 
divine  bestowals.    Shall  racial  ideas  prevail  and  obscure  the  creative 
purpose  of  unity  in  his  kingdom  ?    Shall  he  say  "  I  am  a  German, 
"I  am  a  Frenchman,"  or  an  "Englishman  "   and  declare  war 
because  of  this  imaginary  and  human  distinction?     God  forbid! 
This  earth  is  one  household  and  the  nativity  of  all  humanity ;  there- 
fore the  human  race  should  ignore  distinctions  and  boundaries 
which  are  artificial  and  conducive  to  disagreement  and  hostility. 
We  have  come  from  the  east.    Praise  be  to  God !  we  find  this  con- 
tinent prosperous,  the  climate  salubrious  and  delightful,  the  in- 
habitants genial  and  courteous,  the  government  equable  and  just. 
Shall  we  entertain  any  other  thought  and  feeling  than  that  of  love 
for  you?     Shall  we  say  "This  is  not  our  native  land    therefore 
everything  is  objectionable?"     This  would  be  gross  ignorance  to 
Avhieh  man  must  not  subject  himself.    Man  is  endowed  with  powers 
to  investigate  reality,  and  the  reality  is  that  humanity  is  one  in 
kind  and  equal  in  the  creative  plan.     Therefore  false  distinctions 
of  race  and  nativity  which  are  factors  and  causes  of  warfare  must 
be  abandoned. 

Consider  what  is  happening  in  Tripoli ;  how  the  poor  are  being 
killed  and  the  blood  of  the  helpless  is  being  shed  upon  both  sides ; 
children  made  fatherless,  fathers  lamenting  the  death  of  their  sons, 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  115 

mothers  bewailing  the  loss  of  dear  ones.    And  what  is  the  benefit 
after  all?     Nothing  conceivable.     Is  it  therefore  justifiable?     The 
domestic  animals  do  not  manifest  hatred  and  cruelty  toward  each 
other;  that  is  the  attribute  of  the  wild  and  ferocious  beasts.     In  a 
Hock  of  one  thousand  sheep  you  will  witness  no  bloodshed.    Num- 
berless species  of  birds  are  peaceful  in  flocks.    Wolves,  lions,  tigers 
are  ferocious  because  it  is  their  natural  and  necessary  means  for 
obtaining  food.     Man  has  no  need  of  such  ferocity;  his  food  is 
provided   in  other  ways.     Therefore  it  is  evident  that  warfare, 
cruelty  and  bloodshed  in  the  kingdom  of  man  are  caused  by  human 
greed,  hatred  and  selfishness.     The  kings  and  rulers  of  nations 
enjoy  luxury  and  ease  in  their  palaces  and  send  the  common  people 
to  the  battlefield ;  offer  them  as  the  food  and  targets  of  cannon. 
Each  day  they  invent  new  instruments  for   the  more  complete 
destruction  of  the  foundations  of  the  human  race.    They  are  callous 
and  merciless  toward  their  fellow-creatures.    What  shall  atone  for 
the  sufferings  and  grief  of  mothers  who  have  so  tenderly  cared  for 
their  sons?    What  sleepless  nights  they  have  spent  and  what  days 
of  devotion  and  love  they  have  given  to  bring  their  children  to 
maturity!     Yet  the  savagery  of  these  warring  rulers  causes  great 
numbers  of  their  victims  to  be  torn  and  mutilated  in  a  day.   What 
ignorance  and  degradation,  yea  even  greater  than  the  ferocious 
beasts  themselves!     For  a  wolf  will  carry  away  and  devour  one 
sheep  at  a  time   whereas  an  ambitious  tyrant  may  cause  the  death 
of  one  hundred  thousand  men  in  a  battle  and  glory  in  his  military 
prowess  saying  "  I  am  commander-in-chief ;  I  have  won  this  mighty 
victory."    Consider  the  ignorance  and  inconsistency  of  the  human 
race.     If  a  man  kills  another,  no  matter  what  the  cause  may  be, 
he  is  pronounced  a  murderer,  imprisoned  or  executed;  but  the 
brutal  oppressor  who  has  slain  one  hundred  thousand  is  idolized  as 
a  hero,  conqueror  or  military  genius.    A  man  steals  a  small  sum  of 
money ;  he  is  called  a  thief  and  sent  to  the  penitentiary ;  but  the  mili- 
tary leader  who  invades  and  pillages  a  whole  kingdom  is  acclaimed 
heroic  and  a  mighty  man  of  valor.    How  base  and  ignorant  is  man ! 
In  Persia    previous  to  the  middle  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
among  the  various  tribes  and  peoples,   sects  and  denominations 
there  existed  the  greatest  animosity,  strife  and  hatred.     At  that 
time  too  all  the  other  nations  of  the  east  were  in  the  same  condition. 
Religionists  were  hostile  and  bigoted,  sects  w^ere  at  enmity,  races 
hated  each  other,  tribes  were  constantly  at  war ;  everywhere  antag- 
onism and  conflict  prevailed.     Men  shunned  and  were  suspicious 
of  each  other.     The  man  who  could  kill  a  number  of  his  fellow- 
creatures   was    glorified    for  his   heroism    and   strength.     Among 


116     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

religionists  it  was  esteemed  a  praiseworthy  deed  to  take  the  life 
of  one  who  held  an  opposite  belief.  At  this  time  Baha  'Ullah 
arose  and  declared  his  mission.  He  founded  the  oneness  of  the 
world  of  humanity,  proclaimed  that  all  are  servants  of  the  loving 
and  merciful  God  who  has  created,  nourished  and  provided  for  all, 
therefore  why  should  men  be  unjust  and  unkind  to  each  other, 
showing  forth  that  which  is  contrary  to  God  ?  As  he  loves  us  why 
should  we  entertain  animosity  and  hate?  If  God  did  not  love  all 
he  would  not  have  created,  trained  and  provided  for  all.  Loving- 
kindness  is  the  divine  policy.  Shall  we  consider  human  policy  and 
attitude  superior  to  the  wisdom  and  policy  of  God?  This  would 
be  inconceivable,  impossible.  Therefore  we  must  emulate  and  follow 
the  divine  policy,  dealing  with  each  other  in  the  utmost  love  and 
tenderness. 

Baha  'Ullah  declared  the  "Most  Great  Peace"  and  interna- 
tional arbitration.  He  voiced  these  principles  in  numerous  epistles 
which  were  circulated  broadcast  throughout  the  east.  He  wrote  to 
all  the  kings  and  rulers  encouraging,  advising  and  admonishing 
them  in  regard  to  the  establishment  of  peace ;  making  it  evident  by 
conclusive  proofs  that  the  happiness  and  glory  of  humanity  can 
only  be  assured  through  disarmament  and  arbitration.  This  was 
nearly  fifty  years  ago.  Because  he  promulgated  the  message  of  Uni- 
versal Peace  and  international  agreement,  the  kings  of  the  Orient 
arose  against  him  for  they  did  not  find  their  personal  and  national 
benefits  advanced  by  his  admonition  and  teaching.  They  persecuted 
him  bitterly,  inflicted  upon  him  every  torment,  imprisoned,  bas- 
tinadoed, banished  him  and  eventually  confined  him  in  a  fortress. 
Then  they  arose  against  his  followers.  For  the  establishment  of 
international  peace  the  blood  of  twenty  thousand  Bahais  was  spilt. 
Their  homes  were  destroyed,  their  children  made  captives  and  their 
possessions  pillaged  yet  none  of  these  people  waxed  cold  or  wavered 
in  devotion.  Even  to  this  day  the  Bahais  are  persecuted  and  quite 
recently  a  number  were  killed,  for  wherever  they  are  found  they 
put  forth  the  greatest  efforts  to  establish  the  peace  of  the  world. 
They  not  only  promulgate  principles;  they  are  people  of  action. 

In  Persia  today  through  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah  you 
will  find  people  of  various  religious  beliefs  and  denominations  liv- 
ing together  in  the  utmost  peace  and  agreement.  The  former  enmi- 
ties and  hatred  have  passed  away  and  they  exercise  the  utmost  love 
toward  all  mankind  for  they  realize  and  know  that  all  are  the 
creatures  and  servants  of  one  God.  This  is  directly  due  to  the 
divine  teachings.  At  most  it  is  simply  this ;  that  the  ignorant  must 
be  educated,  the  ailing  must  be  healed,  those  who  are  as  children 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  117 

in  the  scale  of  development  must  be  helped  to  reach  the  age  of 
maturity.  We  must  not  be  unfriendly  to  any  one  because  of 
ignorance,  neither  must  we  reject  the  immature  or  turn  away  from 
the  sick  but  administer  the  remedy  for  each  human  need  until  all 
are  united  in  the  providence  of  God.  Therefore  it  is  evident  that 
the  essential  foundations  of  the  divine  religions  are  unity  and  love. 
If  religion  be  productive  of  discord  among  mankind  it  is  a 
destroyer  and  not  divine  for  religion  implies  unity  and  binding 
together  and  not  separation.  Mere  knowledge  of  principles 
is  not  sufficient.  We  all  know  and  admit  that  justice 
is  good  but  there  is  need  of  volition  and  action  to  carry  out  and 
manifest  it.  For  example,  we  might  think  it  good  to  build  a 
church  but  simply  thinking  of  it  as  a  good  thing  will  not  help  its 
erection.  The  ways  and  means  must  be  provided ;  we  must  will  to 
build  it  and  then  proceed  with  the  construction.  All  of  us  know 
that  international  peace  is  good,  that  it  is  conducive  to  human  wel- 
fare and  the  glory  of  man  but  volition  and  action  are  necessary 
before  it  can  be  established.  Action  is  the  essential.  Inasmuch 
as  this  century  is  a  century  of  light,  capacity  for  action  is  assured 
to  mankind.  Necessarily  the  divine  principles  will  be  spread  among 
men  until  the  time  of  action  arrives.  Surely  this  has  been  so  and 
truly  the  time  and  conditions  are  ripe  for  action  now.  All  men 
know  that  verily  war  is  a  destroyer  of  human  foundations  and  in 
every  country  of  the  world  this  is  admitted  and  apparent.  I  find 
the  United  States  of  America  an  exceedingly  progressive  nation, 
the  government  just,  the  people  in  a  state  of  readiness  and  the 
principle  of  equality  established  to  an  extraordinary  degree.  There- 
fore it  is  my  hope  that  inasmuch  as  the  standard  of  international 
peace  must  be  upraised  it  may  be  upraised  upon  this  continent, 
for  this  nation  is  more  deserving  and  has  greater  capacity  for  such 
an  initial  step  than  any  other.  If  other  nations  should  attempt 
to  do  this  the  motive  will  be  misunderstood.  For  instance,  if 
Great  Britain  should  declare  for  international  peace  it  will  be  said 
that  it  has  been  done  to  insure  the  safety  of  her  colonies.  If  France 
should  hoist  the  standard  other  nations  will  declare  some  hidden 
diplomatic  policy  underlies  the  action ;  Russia  would  be  suspected 
of  national  designs  if  the  first  step  were  taken  by  that  people,  and 
so  on  with  all  the  European  and  eastern  governments.  But  the 
United  States  of  America  could  not  be  accused  of  any  such  selfish 
interest.  Your  government  has,  strictly  speaking,  no  colonies  to 
protect.  You  are  not  endeavoring  to  extend  your  domain  nor  have 
you  need  of  territorial  expansion.  Therefore  if  America  takes  the 
first  step  toward  the  establishing  of  world  peace   it  is  certain  to  be 


118     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

ascribed  to  unselfishness  and  altruism.  The  world  will  say  "There 
is  no  other  motive  than  altruism  and  service  to  humanity  in  this 
action  by  the  United  States."  Therefore  it  is  my  hope  that  you 
may  stand  forth  as  the  first  herald  of  peace  and  hoist  this  banner ; 
for  this  banner  will  be  hoisted.  Raise  it  aloft,  for  you  are  the  most 
qualified  and  deserving  of  nations.  The  other  countries  await  this 
summons,  expect  this  call  to  the  standard  of  reconciliation,  for  the 
whole  world  is  distressed  because  of  the  excessive  burden  and 
irreparable  damage  of  war.  Taxes  are  levied  to  meet  its  drain. 
Every  year  the  burden  increases  and  the  people  have  come  to  their 
end.  Just  now  Europe  is  a  battlefield  of  ammunition  ready  for  a 
spark ;  and  one  spark  will  set  aflame  the  whole  world.  Before  these 
complications  and  cataclysmic  events  happen,  take  the  step  to 
prevent  it. 

The  foundations  of  all  the  divine  religions  are  peace  and  agree- 
ment, but  misunderstandings  and  ignorance  have  developed.  If 
these  are  caused  to  disappear  you  will  see  that  all  the  religious 
agencies  will  work  for  peace  and  promulgate  the  oneness  of  human 
kind.  For  the  foundation  of  all  is  reality  and  reality  is  not  mul- 
tiple or  divisible.  His  Holiness  Moses  founded  it.  His  Holiness 
Jesus  raised  its  tent,  and  its  brilliant  light  has  shone  forth  in  all 
the  religions.  His  Holiness  Baiia  'Ullaii  proclaimed  this  one 
reality  and  spread  the  message  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace."  Even  in 
prison  he  rested  not  until  he  lighted  this  lamp  in  the  east.  Praise 
be  to  God !  all  who  have  accepted  his  teachings  are  lovers  of  peace, 
peacemakers  ready  to  sacrifice  their  lives  and  expend  their  posses- 
sions for  it.  Now  let  this  standard  be  upraised  in  the  west  and 
many  will  respond  to  the  call.  America  has  become  renowned  for 
her  discoveries,  inventions  and  artistic  skill,  famous  for  equity  of 
government  and  stupendous  undertakings;  now  may  she  also  be- 
come noted  and  celebrated  as  the  herald  and  messenger  of  Universal 
Peace.  Let  this  be  her  mission  and  undertaking  and  may  its 
blessed  impetus  spread  to  all  countries.  I  pray  for  all  of  you  that 
you  may  render  this  service  to  the  world  of  humanity. 

Ill 

May  13,  1912,  at  Hotel  Astor,  New  York. 
Reception  hy  New  York  Pefice  Society. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

ALTHOUGH  I  felt  indisposed  this  afternoon    yet  because  I 
attach  great  importance  to  this  assembly  and  was  longing  to 
see  your  faces,  I  have  come.     The  expression  of  kindly  feelings 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  119 

and  the  spirit  of  hospitality  manifested  by  the  former  speakers  are 
most  grateful.  I  am  thankful  for  the  susceptibilities  of  your  hearts 
for  it  is  an  evidence  that  your  greatest  desire  is  the  establishment 
of  international  peace.  You  are  lovers  of  the  oneness  of  humanity, 
seekers  after  the  good-pleasure  of  the  Lord,  investigators  of  the 
foundations  of  the  divine  religions. 

Today  there  is  no  greater  glorj'  for  man  than  that  of  service  in 
the  cause  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace."  Peace  is  light  whereas  war  is 
darkness.  Peace  is  life;  war  is  death.  Peace  is  guidance;  war  is 
error.  Peace  is  the  foundation  of  God;  war  is  satanic  institution. 
Peace  is  the  illumination  of  the  world  of  humanity ;  war  is  the 
destroyer  of  human  foundations.  When  we  consider  outcomes  in 
the  world  of  existence  we  find  that  peace  and  fellowship  are  factors 
of  upbuilding  and  betterment  whereas  war  and  strife  are  the 
causes  of  destruction  and  disintegration.  All  created  things  are 
expressions  of  the  affinity  and  cohesion  of  elementary  substances, 
and  non-existence  is  the  absence  of  their  attraction  and  agreement. 
Various  elements  unite  harmoniously  in  composition  but  when  these 
elements  become  discordant,  repelling  each  other,  decomposition 
and  non-existence  result.  Everything  partakes  of  this  nature  and 
is  subject  to  this  principle,  for  the  creative  foundation  in  all  its 
degrees  and  kingdoms  is  an  expression  or  outcome  of  love.  Con- 
sider the  restlessness  and  agitation  of  the  human  world  today 
because  of  war.  Peace  is  health  and  construction ;  war  is  disease 
and  dissolution.  When  the  banner  of  truth  is  raised,  peace  be- 
comes the  cause  of  the  welfare  and  advancement  of  the  human 
world.  In  all  cycles  and  ages  war  has  been  a  factor  of  derange- 
ment and  discomfort  whereas  peace  and  brotherhood  have  brought 
security  and  consideration  of  human  interests.  This  distinction  is 
especially  pronounced  in  the  present  world  conditions,  for  warfare 
in  former  centuries  had  not  attained  the  degree  of  savagery  and 
destructiveness  which  now  characterizes  it.  If  two  nations  were 
at  war  in  olden  times,  ten  or  twenty  thousand  would  be  sacrificed 
but  in  this  century  the  destruction  of  one  hundred  thousand  lives 
in  a  day  is  quite  possible.  So  perfected  has  the  science  of  killing 
become  and  so  efficient  the  means  and  instruments  of  its  accom- 
plishment that  a  whole  nation  can  be  obliterated  in  a  short  time. 
Therefore  comparison  with  the  methods  and  results  of  ancient  war- 
fare is  out  of  the  question. 

According  to  an  intrinsic  law,  all  phenomena  of  being  attain  to  a 
summit  and  degree  of  consummation,  after  which  a  new  order  and 


120     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

condition  is  established.  As  the  instruments  and  science  of  war 
have  reached  the  degree  of  thoroughness  and  proficiency,  it  is  hoped 
that  the  transformation  of  the  human  world  is  at  hand  and  that 
in  the  coming  centuries  all  the  energies  and  inventions  of  man  will 
be  utilized  in  promoting  the  interests  of  peace  and  brotherhood. 
Therefore  may  this  esteemed  and  worthy  society  for  the  establish- 
ment of  international  peace  be  confirmed  in  its  sincere  intentions 
and  empowered  by  God.  Then  will  it  hasten  the  time  when  the 
banner  of  universal  agreement  will  be  raised  and  international 
welfare  will  be  proclaimed  and  consummated  so  that  the  darkness 
which  now  encompasses  the  world  shall  pass  away. 

Sixty  years  ago  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  was  in  Persia. 
Seventy  years  ago  His  Holiness  the  Bab  appeared  there.  These  two 
blessed  souls  devoted  their  lives  to  the  foundation  of  international 
peace  and  love  among  mankind.  They  strove  with  heart  and  soul  to 
establish  the  teachings  by  which  divergent  people  might  be  brought 
together  and  no  strife,  rancor  or  hatred  prevail.  His  Holiness 
Baha  'Ullah  addressing  all  humanity,  said  that  Adam  the  parent 
of  mankind  may  be  likened  to  the  tree  of  nativity  upon  which  you 
are  the  leaves  and  blossoms.  Inasmuch  as  your  origin  was  one,  you 
must  now  be  united  and  agreed ;  you  must  consort  with  each  other 
in  joy  and  fragrance.  He  pronounced  prejudice,  whether  religious, 
racial,  patriotic,  political,  the  destroyer  of  the  body-politic.  He 
said  that  man  must  recognize  the  oneness  of  humanity,  for  all  in 
origin  belong  to  the  same  household  and  all  are  servants  of  the 
same  God.  Therefore  mankind  must  continue  in  the  state  of 
fellowship  and  love,  emulating  the  institutions  of  God  and  turning 
away  from  satanic  promptings,  for  the  divine  bestowals  bring  forth 
unity  and  agreement  whereas  satanic  leadings  induce  hatred  and 
war. 

This  remarkable  personage  was  able  by  these  principles  to 
establish  a  bond  of  unity  among  the  differing  sects  and  divergent 
people  of  Persia.  Those  who  followed  his  teachings  no  matter  from 
what  denomination  or  faction  they  came  were  conjoined  by  the  ties 
of  love,  until  now  they  cooperate  and  live  together  in  peace  and 
agreement.  They  are  real  brothers  and  sisters.  No  distinctions  of 
class  are  observed  among  them  and  complete  harmony  prevails. 
Daily  this  bond  of  affinity  is  strengthening  and  their  spirtual 
fellowship  continually  develops.  In  order  to  insure  the  progress 
of  mankind  and  to  establish  these  principles  His  Holiness  Baha 
'Ullah  suffered  every  ordeal  and  difficulty.  His  Holiness  the  Bab 
became  a  martyr,   and  over  twenty  thousand   men   and   women 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  121 

sacrificed  their  lives  for  their  faith.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah 
was  imprisoned  and  subjected  to  severe  persecutions.  Finally  he 
was  exiled  from  Persia  to  Mesopotamia ;  from  Baghdad  he  was  sent 
to  Constantinople  and  Adrianople  and  from  thence  to  the  prison  of 
Akka  in  Syria.  Through  all  these  ordeals  he  strove  day  and  night 
to  proclaim  the  oneness  of  humanity  and  promulgate  the  message 
of  Universal  Peace.  From  the  prison  of  Akka  he  addressed  the 
kings  and  rulers  of  the  earth  in  lengthy  letters  summoning  them 
to  international  agreement  and  explicity  stating  that  the  standard 
of  the  "Most  Great  Peace"  would  surely  be  upraised  in  the  world. 
This  has  come  to  pass.  The  powers  of  earth  cannot  withstand 
the  privileges  and  bestowals  which  God  has  ordained  for  this  great 
and  glorious  century.  It  is  a  need  and  exigency  of  the  time.  Man 
can  withstand  anything  except  that  which  is  divinely  intended  and 
indicated  for  the  age  and  its  requirements.  Now,  Praise  be  to  God ! 
in  all  countries  of  the  world,  lovers  of  peace  are  to  be  found  and 
these  principles  are  being  spread  among  mankind,  especially  in  this 
country.  Praise  be  to  God!  this  thought  is  prevailing  and  souls 
are  continually  arising  as  defenders  of  the  oneness  of  humanity, 
endeavoring  to  assist  and  establish  international  peace.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  this  wonderful  democracy  will  be  able  to  realize  it  and 
the  banner  of  international  agreement  will  be  unfurled  here  to 
spread  onward  and  outward  among  all  the  nations  of  the  world. 
I  give  thanks  to  God  that  I  find  you  imbued  with  such  susceptibili- 
ties and  lofty  aspirations  and  I  hope  that  you  will  be  the  means  of 
spreading  this  light  to  all  men.  Thus  may  the  Sun  of  Reality  shine 
upon  the  east  and  west.  The  enveloping  clouds  shall  pass  away  and 
the  heat  of  the  divine  rays  will  dispel  the  mist.  The  reality  of  man 
shall  develop  and  come  forth  as  the  image  of  God  his  creator.  The 
thoughts  of  man  shall  take  such  upward  flight  that  former  accom- 
plishments shall  appear  as  the  play  of  children ; — for  the  ideas  and 
beliefs  of  the  past  and  the  prejudices  regarding  race  and  religion 
have  ever  been  lowering  and  destructive  to  human  evolution.  I 
am  most  hopeful  that  in  this  century  these  lofty  thoughts  shall  be 
conducive  to  human  welfare.  Let  this  century  be  the  sun  of  previ- 
ous centuries  the  effulgences  of  which  shall  last  forever,  so  that 
in  times  to  come  they  shall  glorify  the  twentieth  century,  saying 
the  twentieth  century  was  the  century  of  lights,  the  twentieth 
century  was  the  century  of  life,  the  twentieth  century  was  the  cen- 
tuiy  of  international  peace,  the  twentieth  century  was  the  century 
of  divine  bestowals  and  the  twentieth  century  has  left  traces  which 
shall  last  forever. 


122     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

IV 

May  19,  1912,  at  Church  of  the  Divine  Paternity,  Central  Park 

West,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

RELIGIONS  are  many  but  the  reality  of  religion  is  one.  The 
days  are  many  but  the  sun  is  one.  The  fountains  are  many 
but  the  fountain-head  is  one.  The  branches  are  many  but  the  tree 
is  one. 

The  foundation  of  the  divine  religions  is  reality ;  were  there  no 
reality  there  would  be  no  religions.  His  Holiness  Abraham  her- 
alded the  reality.  His  Holiness  Moses  promulgated  the  reality. 
His  Holiness  Christ  established  the  reality.  His  Holiness  Mohammed 
was  the  messenger  of  the  reality.  His  Holiness  the  Bab  was  the  door 
of  the  reality.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  was  the  splendor  of  the 
reality.  The  reality  is  one;  it  does  not  admit  multiplicity  or  di- 
vision. The  reality  is  as  the  sun  which  shines  forth  from  ditferent 
dawning-points ;  it  is  as  the  light  which  has  illumined  many 
lanterns. 

Therefore  if  the  religions  investigate  reality  and  seek  the  essen- 
tial truth  of  their  own  foundations  they  will  agree  and  no  differ- 
ence will  be  found.  But  inasmuch  as  religions  are  submerged  in 
dogmatic  imitations,  forsaking  the  original  foundations,  and  as 
imitations  differ  widely,  therefore  the  religions  are  divergent  and 
antagonistic.  These  imitations  may  be  likened  to  clouds  which 
obscure  the  sunrise ;  but  the  reality  is  the  sun.  If  the  clouds  dis- 
perse, the  Sun  of  Reality  shines  upon  all  and  no  difference  of  vision 
will  exist.  The  religions  will  then  agree,  for  fundamentally  they 
are  the  same.    The  subject  is  one  but  predicates  are  many. 

The  divine  religions  are  like  the  progression  of  the  seasons  of 
the  year.  When  the  earth  becomes  dead  and  desolate  and  because 
of  frost  and  cold  no  trace  of  vanished  spring  remains,  the  spring- 
time dawns  again  and  clothes  everything  with  a  new  garment  of 
life.  The  meadows  become  fresh  and  green,  the  trees  are  adorned 
with  verdure  and  fruits  appear  upon  them.  Then  the  winter  comes 
again  and  all  the  traces  of  spring  disappear.  This  is  the  continuous 
cycle  of  the  seasons, — spring,  winter,  then  the  return  of  spring; 
but  though  the  calendar  changes  and  the  years  move  forward,  each 
springtime  that  comes  is  the  return  of  the  springtime  that  lias 
gone ;  this  spring  is  the  renewal  of  the  former  spring.  Springtime 
is  springtime  no  matter  when  or  how  often  it  comes.  The  divine 
prophets  are  as  the  coming  of  spring,  each  renewing  and  quickening 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  123 

the  teachings  of  the  prophet  who  came  before  him.  Just  as  all 
seasons  of  spring  are  essentially  one  as  to  newness  of  life,  vernal 
show^ers  and  beauty  so  the  essence  of  the  mission  and  accomplish- 
ment of  all  the  prophets  is  one  and  the  same.  Now  the  people  of 
religion  have  lost  sight  of  the  essential  reality  of  the  spiritual 
springtime.  They  have  held  tenaciously  to  ancestral  forms  and 
imitations,  and  because  of  this  there  is  variance,  strife  and  alterca- 
tion among  them.  Therefore  we  must  now  abandon  these  imita- 
tions and  seek  the  foundation  of  the  divine  teachings ;  and  inasmuch 
as  the  foundation  is  the  one  reality,  the  divergent  religionists  must 
agree  in  it  so  that  love  and  unity  will  be  established  among  all 
people  and  denominations. 

At  a  time  when  the  Orient  was  rent  by  religious  dissension 
Baha  'Ullah  appeared.  He  founded  teachings  which  became  the 
means  of  uniting  the  various  and  divergent  peoples.  He  promul- 
gated principles  which  removed  the  cause  of  their  dissension,  until 
today  in  Persia  those  who  had  been  constantly  at  war  are  united. 
Christians,  Mohammedans,  Zoroastrians,  Jews, — people  of  every 
belief  and  denomination  who  have  followed  the  teachings  of  Baha 
'Ullah  have  attained  complete  fellowship  and  spiritual  agreement. 
Former  differences  and  dissensions  have  passed  away  entirely. 
Some  of  the  principles  of  Baha  'Ullah 's  teaching  are  as  follows: 

First;  that  the  oneness  of  humanity  shall  be  recognized  and 
established.  All  men  are  the  servants  of  God.  He  has  created  all ; 
he  is  the  provider  and  preserver;  he  is  loving  to  all.  Inasmuch 
as  he  is  just  and  kind  why  should  we  be  unjust  toward  each  other  ? 
As  God  has  quickened  us  with  life  why  should  we  be  the  cause  of 
death?  As  he  has  comforted  us  why  should  we  be  the  cause  of 
anxiety  and  suffering?  Can  humanity  conceive  a  plan  and  policy 
better  and  superior  to  that  of  God?  It  is  certain  that  no  matter 
how  capable  man  may  be  in  origination  of  plan  and  organization  of 
purpose  his  efforts  will  be  inadequate  as  compared  with  the  divine 
plan  and  purpose ;  for  the  policy  of  God  is  perfect.  Therefore  we 
must  follow  the  will  and  plan  of  God ;  as  he  is  kind  to  all,  we  must 
be  likewise-  and  it  is  certain  that  this  will  be  most  acceptable  to 
God. 

Second ;  that  truth  or  reality  must  be  investigated ;  for  reality 
is  one  and  by  investigating  it,  all  will  find  love  and  unity.  Those 
who  are  ignorant  must  be  educated,  the  ailing  must  be  healed,  the 
undeveloped  must  be  brought  to  maturity.  Shall  we  reject  or 
oppose  the  ignorant,  sick  or  immature  because  of  their  incapacity? 
Is  it  not  better  to  be  kind  and  gentle  and  to  provide  the  means 


124     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

of  remedy?    Therefore  under  no  circumstances  whatsoever  should 
we  assume  any  attitude  except  that  of  gentleness  and  humility. 

Third;  that  religion  is  in  harmony  with  science.  The  funda- 
mental principles  of  the  prophets  are  scientific  but  the  forms  and 
imitations  which  have  appeared  are  opposed  to  science.  If  religion 
does  not  agree  with  science  it  is  superstition  and  ignorance;  for 
God  has  endowed  man  with  reason  in  order  that  he  may  perceive 
reality.  The  foundations  of  religion  are  reasonable.  God  has 
created  us  with  intelligence  to  perceive  them.  If  they  are  opposed 
to  science  and  reason   how  could  they  be  believed  and  followed? 

Fourth;  that  religion  must  be  conducive  to  love  and  unity 
among  mankind;  for  if  it  be  the  cause  of  enmity  and  strife  the 
absence  of  religion  is  preferable.  When  His  Holiness  Moses  ap- 
peared the  tribes  of  Israel  were  in  a  state  of  disunion  as  captives 
of  the  Pharaohs.  His  Holiness  Moses  gathered  them  together  and 
the  divine  law  established  fellowship  among  them.  They  became 
as  one  people,  united,  consolidated,  after  which  they  were  rescued 
from  bondage.  They  passed  into  the  promised  land,  advanced  in 
all  degrees,  developed  sciences  and  arts,  progressed  in  material 
affairs,  increased  in  divine  or  spiritual  civilization  until  their 
nation  rose  to  its  zenith  in  the  sovereignty  of  Solomon.  It  is  evi- 
dent therefore  that  religion  is  the  cause  of  unity,  fellowship  and 
progress  among  mankind.  The  function  of  a  shepherd  is  to  gather 
the  sheep  together  and  not  to  scatter  them.  Then  His  Holiness 
Christ  appeared.  He  united  varying  and  divergent  creeds  and 
warring  people  of  his  time.  He  brought  together  Greeks  and 
Romans,  reconciled  Egyptians  and  Assyrians,  Chaldeans  and 
Phoenicians.  Christ  established  unity  and  agreement  among  people 
of  these  hostile  and  warring  nations.  Therefore  it  is  again  evident 
that  the  purpose  of  religion  is  peace  and  concord.  Likewise  Mo- 
hammed appeared  at  a  time  when  the  peoples  and  tribes  of  Arabia 
were  divergent  and  in  a  state  of  continual  warfare.  They  killed 
each  other,  pillaged,  and  took  captive  wives  and  children.  His 
Holiness  Mohammed  united  these  fierce  tribes,  established  a  founda- 
tion of  fellowship  among  them  so  that  they  gave  up  warring  against 
each  other  absolutely  and  established  communities.  The  result  was 
that  the  Arabian  tribes  freed  themselves  from  the  Persian  yoke 
and  Roman  control,  established  an  independent  sovereignty  whiph 
rose  to  a  high  degree  of  civilization,  advanced  in  sciences  and  arts, 
extended  the  Saracen  dominion  as  far  west  as  Spain  and  Andalusia 
and  became  famous  throughout  the  world.  Therefore  it  is  proved 
once  more  that  the  religion  of  God  is  intended  to  be  the  c^use  of 
advancement  and  solidarity  and  not  of  enmity  and  dissolution.    If 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IN  JERSEY  CITY         125 

it  becomes  the  cause  of  hatred  and  strife   its  absence  is  preferable. 
Its  purpose  is  unity  and  its  foundations  are  one. 

When  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  appeared  in  Persia  violent 
strife  and  hatred  separated  the  peoples  and  tribes  of  that  country, 
They  would  not  come  together  for  any  purpose  except  war;  they 
would  not  partake  of  the  same  food  or  drink  of  the  same  water; 
association  and  intercourse  were  impossible.  His  Holiness  Baha 
'Ullaii  founded  the  oneness  of  humanity  among  these  people  and 
bound  their  hearts  together  with  such  ties  of  love  that  they  were 
completely  united.  He  reestablished  the  prophetic  foundations; 
reformed  and  renewed  the  principles  laid  down  by  the  messengers 
of  God  who  had  preceded  him.  And  now  it  is  hoped  that  through 
his  life  and  teachings  the  east  and  west  shall  become  so  united  that 
no  trace  of  enmity,  strife  and  discord  shall  remain. 


May  19,  1912,  at  Brotherhood  Church,  Bergen  and  Fairview  Aves., 

Jersey  City,  N.  J. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

BECAUSE  this  is  called  the  "Church  of  Brotherhood"  I  wish  to 
speak  upon  the  "Brotherhood  of  Mankind."  There  is  per- 
fect brotherhood  underlying  humanity,  for  all  are  servants  of  one 
God  and  belong  to  one  family  under  the  protection  of  divine 
providence.  The  bond  of  fraternity  exists  in  humanity  because  all 
are  intelligent  beings  created  in  the  realm  of  evolutionary  growth. 
There  is  brotherhood  potential  in  humanity  because  all  inhabit  this 
earthly  globe  under  the  one  canopy  of  heaven.  There  is  brother- 
hood natal  in  mankind  because  all  are  elements  of  one  human 
society  subject  to  the  necessity  of  agreement  and  cooperation. 
There  is  brotherhood  intended  in  humanity  because  all  are  waves  of 
one  sea,  leaves  and  fruit  of  one  tree.  This  is  physical  fellowship 
which  insures  material  happiness  in  the  human  world.  The  stronger 
it  becomes,  the  more  will  mankind  advance  and  the  circle  of  materi- 
ality be  enlarged. 

The  real  brotherhood  is  spiritual,  for  physical  brotherhood  is 
subject  to  separation.  The  wars  of  the  outer  world  of  existence 
separate  humankind  but  in  the  eternal  world  of  spiritual  broth- 
hood  separation  is  unknown.  Material  or  physical  association  is 
based  upon  earthly  interests  but  divine  fellowship  owes  its  existence 
to  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     Spiritual  brotherhood  may  be 


126     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

likened  to  the  light  while  the  souls  of  humankind  are  as  lanterns. 
The  incandescent  lamps  here  are  many,  yet  the  light  is  one. 

At  a  time  in  the  Orient  when  even  physical  brotherhood  was  not 
in  existence  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  appeared.  At  first  he  set 
forth  the  principles  of  physical  brotherhood  and  afterward 
founded  the  brotherhood  spiritual.  He  breathed  such  a  spirit  into 
the  countries  of  the  Orient  that  various  peoples  and  warring  tribes 
were  blended  in  unity.  Their  bestowals  and  susceptibilities  became 
one ;  their  purposes  one  purpose ;  their  desires  one  desire  to  such 
a  degree  that  they  sacrificed  themselves  for  each  other,  forfeiting 
name,  possessions  and  comfort.  Their  fellowship  became  indis- 
soluble. This  is  eternal,  spiritual  fellowship,  heavenly  and  divine 
brotherhood  which  defies  dissolution.  Material  civilization  ad- 
vances through  the  physical  association  of  mankind.  The  progress 
you  observe  in  the  outer  world  is  founded  mainly  upon  the  frater- 
nity of  material  interests.  Were  it  not  for  this  physical  and  mental 
association  civilization  would  not  have  progressed.  Now,  Praise 
be  to  God!  the  indissoluble  spiritual  association  is  evident;  there- 
fore it  is  certain  that  divine  civilization  has  been  founded  and  the 
world  will  progress  and  advance  spiritually.  In  this  radiant  cen- 
tury divine  knowledges,  merciful  attributes  and  spiritual  virtues 
will  attain  the  highest  degree  of  advancement.  The  traces  have 
become  manifest  in  Persia.  Souls  have  advanced  to  such  a  degree 
as  to  forfeit  life  and  possessions  for  each  other.  Their  spiritual 
perceptions  have  developed,  their  intelligence  has  quickened,  their 
souls  are  awakened.  The  utmost  love  has  been  manifested.  There- 
fore it  is  my  hope  that  spiritual  fraternity  shall  unite  the  east  and 
the  west  and  bring  about  the  complete  abolition  of  warfare  among 
mankind.  May  it  bind  together  individuals  and  members  of  the 
human  family,  be  the  cause  of  advancing  minds,  illuminating  hearts 
and  allowing  divine  bestowals  to  encompass  us  from  all  directions. 
May  spiritual  susceptibilities  set  hearts  aglow  with  the  message  of 
glad  tidings.  May  spiritual  brotherhood  cause  rebirth  and  regen- 
eration, for  its  creative  quickening  emanates  from  the  breaths  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  and  is  founded  by  the  power  of  God.  Surely  that 
which  is  founded  through  the  divine  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
is  permanent  in  its  potency  and  lasting  in  its  effect. 

Material  brotherhood  does  not  prevent  nor  remove  warfare;  it 
does  not  dispel  differences  among  mankind.  But  spiritual  alliance 
destroys  the  very  foundation  of  war,  effaces  differences  entirely, 
promulgates  the  oneness  of  humanity,  revivifies  mankind,  causes 
hearts  to  turn  to  the  kingdom  of  God  and  baptizes  souls  with  the 
Holy  Spirit.     Through  this  divine  brotherhood,  the  material  world 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IN  JERSEY  CITY         127 

will  become  resplendent  with  the  lights  of  divinity,  the  mirror  of 
materiality  will  acquire  its  lights  from  heaven  and  justice  will  be 
established  in  the  world  so  that  no  trace  of  darkness,  hatred  and 
enmity  shall  be  visible.  Humanity  shall  come  within  the  bounds 
of  security,  the  prophethood  of  all  the  messengers  of  God  shall  be 
established,  Zion  shall  leap  and  dance,  Jerusalem  shall  rejoice,  the 
Mosaic  flame  shall  ignite,  the  Messianic  light  shall  shine,  the  world 
will  become  another  world  and  humanity  shall  put  on  another 
power.  This  is  the  greatest  divine  bestowal ;  this  is  the  effulgence 
of  the  kingdom  of  God ;  this  is  the  day  of  illumination ;  this  is  the 
merciful  century.  We  must  appreciate  these  things  and  strive  in 
order  that  the  utmost  desire  of  the  prophets  may  now  be  realized 
and  all  the  glad-tidings  be  fulfilled.  Trust  in  the  favor  of  God. 
Look  not  at  your  own  capacities,  for  the  divine  bestowal  can  trans- 
form a  drop  into  an  ocean ;  it  can  make  a  tiny  seed  a  lofty  tree. 
Verily  divine  bestowals  are  like  the  sea  and  we  are  the  fishes  of 
that  sea.  The  fishes  must  not  look  at  themselves ;  they  must  behold 
the  ocean  which  is  vast  and  wonderful.  Provision  for  the  suste- 
nance of  all  is  in  this  ocean  therefore  the  divine  bounties  encom- 
pass all  and  love  eternal  shines  upon  all. 

The  question  has  been  asked  "Will  the  spiritual  progress  of  the 
world  equal  and  keep  pace  with  material  progress  in  the  future?" 
In  a  living  organism  the  full  measure  of  its  development  is  not 
known  or  realized  at  the  time  of  its  inception  or  birth.  Develop- 
ment and  progression  imply  gradual  stages  or  degrees.  FOr  ex- 
ample, spiritual  advancement  may  be  likened  to  the  light  of  the 
early  dawn.  Although  this  dawn  light  is  dim  and  pale  a  wise  man 
who  views  the  march  of  the  sunrise  at  its  very  beginning  can  fore- 
tell the  ascendency  of  the  sun  in  its  full  glory  and  effulgence.  He 
knows  for  a  certainty  that  it  is  the  beginning  of  its  manifestation 
and  that  later  it  will  assume  great  power  and  potency.  Again, 
for  example,  if  he  takes  a  seed  and  observes  that  it  is  sprouting, 
he  will  know  assuredly  that  it  will  ultimately  become  a  tree.  Now 
is  the  beginning  of  the  manifestation  of  the  power  spiritual  and 
inevitably  its  potency  of  life  forces  will  assume  greater  and 
greater  proportions.  Therefore  this  twentieth  century  is  the  dawn 
or  beginning  of  spiritual  illumination  and  it  is  evident  that  day  by 
day  it  will  advance.  It  will  reach  such  a  degree  that  spiritual 
effulgences  will  overcome  the  physical,  so  that  divine  susceptibilities 
will  overpower  material  intelligence  and  the  heavenly  light  dispel 
and  banish  earthly  darkness.  Divine  healing  shall  purify  all  ills 
and  the  cloud  of  mercy  will  pour  down  its  rain.  The  Sun  of 
Reality  will  shine  and  all  the  earth  shall  put  on  its  beautiful  green 


128     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

carpet.  Among  the  results  of  the  manifestation  of  spiritual  forces 
will  be  that  the  human  world  will  adapt  itself  to  a  new  social  form, 
the  justice  of  God  will  become  manifest  throughout  human  affairs 
and  human  equality  will  be  universally  established.  The  poor  will 
receive  a  great  bestowal  and  the  rich  attain  eternal  happiness.  For 
although  at  the  present  time  the  rich  enjoy  the  greatest  luxury 
and  comfort,  they  are  nevertheless  deprived  of  eternal  happiness; 
for  eternal  happiness  is  contingent  upon  giving  and  the  poor  are 
everywhere  in  the  state  of  abject  need.  Through  the  manifestation 
of  God's  great  equity  the  poor  of  the  world  will  be  rewarded  and 
assisted  fully  and  there  will  be  a  readjustment  in  the  economic  con- 
ditions of  mankind  so  that  in  the  future  there  will  not  be  the  ab- 
normally rich  nor  the  abject  poor.  The  rich  will  enjoy  the  privilege 
of  this  new  economic  condition  as  well  as  the  poor,  for  owing  to 
certain  provision  and  restriction  they  will  not  be  able  to  accumulate 
so  much  as  to  be  burdened  by  its  management,  while  the  poor  will 
be  relieved  from  the  stress  of  want  and  misery.  The  rich  will  enjoy 
his  palace  and  the  poor  will  have  his  comfortable  cottage. 

The  essence  of  the  matter  is  that  divine  justice  will  become 
manifest  in  human  conditions  and  affairs  and  all  mankind  will 
find  comfort  and  enjoyment  in  life.  It  is  not  meant  that  all  will  be 
equal,  for  inequality  in  degree  and  capacity  is  a  property  of  nature. 
Necessarily  there  will  be  rich  people  and  also  those  who  will  be 
in  want  of  their  livelihood,  but  in  the  aggregate  community  there 
will  be  equalization  and  readjustment  of  values  and  interests.  In 
the  future  there  will  be  no  very  rich  nor  extremely  poor.  There 
will  be  an  equilibrium  of  interests,  and  a  condition  will  be  estab- 
lished which  will  make  both  rich  and  poor  comfortable  and  content. 
This  will  be  an  eternal  and  blessed  outcome  of  the  glorious  twentieth 
century  which  will  be  realized  universally.  The  significance  of  it 
is  that  the  glad-tidings  of  great  joy  revealed  in  the  promises  of  the 
holy  books  will  be  fulfilled.    Await  ye  this  consummation. 

VI 

May  20,  1912,  at  Metropolitan  Temple,  Seventh  Avenue  and 
Fourteenth  St.,  New  York. 
Woman's  Suffrage  Meeting. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

TODAY,    questions    of    the    utmost    importance    are    facing 
humanity;   questions  peculiar  to  this  radiant  century.     In 
former  centuries  there  was  not  even  mention  of  them.    Inasmuch  as 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  129 

this  is  the  century  of  illumination,  the  century  of  humanity,  the 
century  of  divine  bestowals,  these  questions  are  being  presented 
for  the  expression  of  public  opinion  and  in  all  the  countries  of 
the  world,  discussion  is  taking  place  looking  to  their  solution. 

One  of  these  questions  concerns  the  rights  of  woman  and  her 
ecjuality  with  man.  In  past  ages  it  was  held  that  woman  and  man 
were  not  equal;  that  is  to  say,  woman  was  considered  inferior  to 
man  even  from  the  standpoint  of  her  anatomy  and  creation.  She 
was  considered  especially  inferior  in  intelligence  and  the  idea 
prevailed  universally  tliat  it  was  not  allowable  for  her  to  step  into 
the  arena  of  important  affairs.  In  some  countries  man  went  so  fai* 
as  to  believe  and  teach  that  woman  belonged  to  a  sphere  lower  than 
human.  But  in  this  century  which  is  the  century  of  light  and  the 
revelation  of  mysteries  God  is  proving  to  the  satisfaction  of 
humanity  that  all  this  is  ignorance  and  error;  nay,  rather,  it  is  well 
established  that  mankind  and  womankind  as  factors  of  composite 
liumanity  are  co-equal  and  that  no  difference  in  estimate  is  allow- 
able ;  for  all  are  human.  The  conditions  in  past  centuries  were  due 
to  woman's  lack  of  opportunity.  She  was  denied  the  right  and 
privilege  of  education  and  left  in  her  undeveloped  state.  Natur- 
ally, she  could  not  and  did  not  advance.  In  reality  God  has  created 
all  mankind  and  in  the  estimation  of  God  there  is  no  distinction 
as  to  male  and  female.  The  one  whose  heart  is  pure  is  acceptable 
in  his  sight,  be  that  one  man  or  woman.  God  does  not  inquire 
"Art  thou  woman  or  art  thou  man?"  He  judges  human  actions. 
If  these  are  acceptable  in  the  threshold  of  the  Glorious  One,  man 
and  woman  will  be  equally  recognized  and  rewarded. 

Furthermore,  the  education  of  woman  is  more  necessary  and 
important  than  that  of  man,  for  woman  is  the  trainer  of  the  child 
from  its  infancy.  If  she  be  defective  and  imperfect  herself  the 
child  will  necessarily  be  deficient ;  therefore  imperfection  of  woman 
implies  a  condition  of  imperfection  in  all  mankind,  for  it  is  the 
mother  who  rears,  nurtures  and  guides  the  growth  of  the  child.  This 
is  not  the  function  of  the  father.  If  the  educator  be  incompetent 
the  educated  will  be  correspondingly  lacking.  This  is  evident  and 
incontrovertible.  Could  the  student  be  brilliant  and  accomplished 
if  the  teacher  is  illiterate  and  ignorant?  The  mothers  are  the  first 
educators  of  mankind ;  if  they  be  imperfect,  alas  for  the  condition 
and  future  of  the  race. 

Again,  it  is  well  established  in  history  that  where  woman  has 
not  participated  in  human  affairs  the  outcomes  have  never  attained 
a  state  of  completion  and  perfection.  On  the  other  hand,  every 
influential  undertaking  of  the  human  world  wherein  woman  has 


130     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

been  a  participant  has  attained  importance.  This  is  historically 
true  and  beyond  disproof  even  in  religion.  His  Holiness  Jesus 
Christ  had  twelve  disciples  and  among  his  followers  a  woman 
known  as  Mary  Magdalene.  Judas  Iscariot  had  become  a  traitor 
and  hypocrite,  and  after  the  crucifixion  the  remaining  eleven 
disciples  were  wavering  and  undecided.  It  is  certain  from  the  evi- 
dence of  the  gospels  that  the  one  who  comforted  them  and  re-es- 
tablished their  faith  was  Mary  Magdalene. 

The  world  of  humanity  consists  of  two  factors,  male  and  female. 
Each  is  the  complement  of  the  other.  Therefore  if  one  is  defective 
the  other  will  necessarily  be  incomplete  and  perfection  cannot  be 
attained.  There  is  a  right-hand  and  a  left-hand  in  the  human 
body,  functionally  equal  in  service  and  administration.  If  either 
proves  defective,  the  defect  will  naturally  extend  to  the  other  by 
involving  the  completeness  of  the  whole ;  for  accomplishment  is  not 
normal  unless  both  are  perfect.  If  we  say  one  hand  is  deficient  we 
prove  the  inability  and  incapacity  of  the  other;  for  single-handed 
there  is  no  full  accomplishment.  Just  as  physical  accomplishment 
is  complete  with  two  hands,  so  man  and  woman,  the  two  factors 
of  the  social  body  must  be  perfect.  It  is  not  natural  that  either 
should  remain  undeveloped ;  and  until  both  are  perfected  the  hap- 
piness of  the  human  world  will  not  be  realized. 

The  most  momentous  question  of  this  day  is  international  peace 
and  arbitration  ;  and  Universal  Peace  is  impossible  without  universal 
suffrage.  Children  are  educated  by  the  women.  The  mother  bears 
the  troubles  and  anxieties  of  rearing  the  child ;  undergoes  the  ordeal 
of  its  birth  and  training.  Therefore  it  is  most  difficult  for  mothers 
to  send  those  upon  whom  they  have  lavished  such  love  and  care,  to 
the  battlefield.  Consider,  a  son  reared  and  trained  twenty  years 
by  a  devoted  mother.  What  sleepless  nights  and  restless,  anxious 
days  she  has  spent!  Having  brought  him  through  dangers  and 
difficulties  to  the  age  of  maturity,  how  agonizing  then  to  sacrifice 
him  upon  the  battlefield !  Therefore  the  mothers  will  not  sanction 
war  nor  be  satisfied  with  it.  So  it  will  come  to  pass  that  when 
women  participate  fully  and  equally  in  the  affairs  of  the  world, 
enter  confidently  and  capably  the  great  arena  of  laws  and  politics, 
war  will  cease ;  for  woman  will  be  the  obstacle  and  hindrance  to  it. 
This  is  true  and  without  doubt. 

It  has  been  objected  by  some  that  woman  is  not  equally  capable 
with  man  and  that  she  is  deficient  by  creation.  This  is  pure 
imagination.  The  difference  in  capability  between  man  and  woman 
is  due  entirely  to  opportunity  and  education.  Heretofore  woman 
has  been  denied  the  right  and  privilege  of  equal  development.     If 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  131 

equal  opportunity  be  granted  her  there  is  no  doubt  she  would  be  the 
peer  of  man.     History  will  evidence  this.     In   past  ages  noted 
women  have  arisen  in  the  afiPairs  of  nations  and  surpassed  men  in 
their  accomplishments.     Among  them  was  Zenobia  queen  of  the 
east  whose  capitol  was  Palmyra.     Even  today  the  site  of  that  city 
bears  witness  to  her  greatness,  ability  and  sovereignty,  for  there 
the  traveler  will  find  ruins  of  palaces  and  fortifications  of  the  ut- 
most strength  and  solidity  built  by  this  remarkable  woman  in  the 
third  century  after  Christ.     She  was  the  wife  of  the  governor- 
general  of  Athens.    After  her  husband's  death  she  assumed  control 
of  the  government  in  his  stead  and  ruled  her  province  most  effi- 
ciently.    Afterward   she   conquered   Syria,   subdued   Egypt   and 
founded  a  most  wonderful  kingdom  with  political  sagacity  and 
thoroughness.    The  Roman  empire  sent  a  great  army  against  her. 
When  this  army    replete  with  martial  splendor    reached  Syria, 
Zenobia  herself  appeared  upon  the  field  leading  her  forces.    On  the 
day  of  battle  she  arrayed  herself  in  regal  garments,  placed  a  crown 
upon  her  head  and  rode  forth  sword  in  hand  to  meet  the  invading 
legions.     By  her  courage  and  military  strategy  the  Roman  armj^ 
was  routed  and  so  completely  dispersed  that  they  were  not  able  to 
reorganize  in  retreat.    The  government  of  Rome  held  consultation, 
saying  "No  matter  what  commander  we  send  we  cannot  overcome 
her;  therefore  the  Emperor  Aurelian  himself  must  go  to  lead  the 
legions  of  Rome  against  Zenobia."    Aurelian  marched  into  Syria 
with  two  hundred  thousand  soldiers.     The  array  of  Zenobia  was 
greatly  inferior  in  size.    The  Romans  besieged  her  in  Palmyra  two 
years  without  success.     Finally  Aurelian  was  able  to  cut  off  the 
city's  supply  of  provisions  so  that  she  and  her  people  were  com- 
pelled by  starvation  to  surrender.    She  was  not  defeated  in  battle. 
Aurelian  carried  her  captive  to  Rome.     On  the  day  of  his  entry 
into  the  city  he  arranged  a  triumphal  procession, — first  elephants, 
then  lions,  tigers,  birds,  monkeys, — and  after  the  monkeys  Zenobia. 
A  crown  was  upon  her  head,  a  chain  of  gold  about  her  neck.    With 
queenly  dignity  and  unconscious  of  humiliation,  looking  to  the 
right  and  left,  she  said  "Verily  I  glory  in  being  a  woman  and  in 
having  withstood  the  Roman  empire."     (At  that  time  the  dominion 
of  Rome  covered  half  the  known  earth).    "And  this  chain  about  my 
neck  is  not  a  sign  of  humiliation   but  of  glorification.     This  is  a 
symbol  of  my  power  not  of  my  defeat." 

Among  other  historical  women  was  Catherine  I,  wife  of  Peter 
the  Great.  RuSvsia  and  Turkey  were  at  war.  ^lohammed  Pasha 
commander  of  the  Turkish  forces  had  defeated  Peter  and  was  about 
to  take  St.  Petersburgh.    The  Russians  were  in  a  most  critical  po- 


132     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

sition.  Catherine  the  wife  of  Peter  said  "I  will  arrange  this 
matter."  She  had  an  interview  with  Mohammed  Pasha,  negotiated 
a  treaty  of  peace  and  induced  him  to  turn  back.  She  saved  her 
husband  and  her  nation.  This  was  a  great  accomplishment.  After- 
ward she  was  crowned  empress  of  Russia  and  ruled  with  wisdom 
until  her  death. 

The  discovery  of  America  by  Columbus  was  during  the  reign 
of  Isabella  of  Spain  to  whose  intelligence  and  assistance  this  won- 
derful accomplishment  was  largely  due.  In  brief,  many  remarkable 
women  have  appeared  in  the  history  of  the  world  but  further  men- 
tion of  them  is  not  necessary. 

Today  among  the  Bahais  of  Persia  there  are  many  women  who 
are  the  very  pride  and  envy  of  the  men.  They  are  imbued  with  all 
the  virtues  and  excellences  of  humanity.  They  are  eloquent,  they 
are  poets  and  scholars  and  embody  the  quintessence  of  humility. 
In  political  ability  and  acumen  they  have  been  able  to  cope  and 
compete  with  representative  men.  They  have  consecrated  their 
lives  and  forfeited  their  possessions  in  martyrdom  for  the  sake  of 
humanity,  and  the  traces  of  their  glory  will  last  forever.  The 
pages  of  the  history  of  Persia  are  illumined  by  the  lives  and  records 
of  these  women. 

The  purpose,  in  brief,  is  this  — that  if  woman  be  fully  educated 
and  granted  her  rights,  she  will  attain  the  capacity  for  wonderful 
accomplishments  and  prove  herself  the  equal  of  man.  She  is  the 
coadjutor  of  man ;  his  complement  and  helpmeet.  Both  are  human, 
both  are  endowed  with  potentialities  of  intelligence  and  embody  the 
virtues  of  humanity.  In  all  human  powers  and  functions  they  are 
partners  and  co-equals.  At  present  in  spheres  of  human  activity 
woman  does  not  manifest  her  natal  prerogatives  owing  to  lack  of 
education  and  opportunity.  Without  doubt  education  will  estab- 
lish her  equality  with  men.  Consider  the  animal  kingdom  where 
no  distinction  is  observed  between  male  and  female.  They  are  equal 
in  powers  and  privileges.  Among  birds  of  the  air  no  distinction  is 
evidenced.  Their  powers  are  equal,  they  dwell  together  in  com- 
plete unity  and  mutual  recognition  of  rights.  Shall  we  not  enjoy 
the  same  equality?    Its  absence  is  not  befitting  to  mankind. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered  in 
Cambridge  and  Boston. 

May  23,  1912,  at  367  Harvard  Street,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Hoine  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  W.  Breed. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

SCIENTIFIC  knowledge  is  the  highest  attainment  upon  the 
human  plane;  for  science  is  the  discoverer  of  realities.  It  is 
of  two  kinds,  material  and  spiritual.  Material  science  is  the  investi- 
gation of  natural  phenomena;  divine  science  is  the  discovery  and 
realization  of  spiritual  verities.  The  world  of  humanity  must 
acquire  both,  A  bird  has  two  wings;  it  cannot  fly  with  one.  Ma- 
terial and  spiritual  science  are  the  two  wings  of  human  uplift  and 
attainment.  Both  are  necejjsary,  one  the  natural,  the  other  super- 
natural; one  material,  the  other  divine.  By  the  divine  we  mean 
the  discovery  of  the  mysteries  of  God,  the  comprehension  of 
spiritual  realities,  the  wisdom  of  God,  inner  significances  of  the 
heavenly  religions  and  foundation  of  the  law. 

This  is  May  23  the  anniversary  of  the  message  and  declaration 
of  His  Holiness  the  Bab.  It  is  a  blessed  day  and  the  dawn  of  mani- 
festation, for  the  appearance  of  the  Bab  was  the  early  light  of  the 
true  morn  whereas  the  manifestation  of  the  Blessed  Beauty  Baha 
'Ullah  was  the  shining  forth  of  the  sun.  Therefore  it  is  a  blessed 
day,  the  inception  of  the  heavenly  bounty,  the  beginning  of  the 
divine  effulgence.  On  this  day  in  1844  His  Holiness  the  Bab  was 
sent  forth  heralding  and  proclaiming  the  kingdom  of  God,  an- 
nouncing the  glad-tidings  of  the  coming  of  His  Holiness  Baha 
'Ullah  and  withstanding  the  opposition  of  the  whole  Persian 
nation.  Some  of  the  Persians  followed  him.  For  this  they  suffered 
the  most  grievous  difficulties  and  severe  ordeals.  They  withstood 
the  tests  with  wonderful  power  and  sublime  heroism.  Thousands 
were  cast  into  prison,  punished,  persecuted  and  martyred.  Their 
homes  were  pillaged  and  destroyed,  their  possessions  confiscated. 
They  sacrificed  their  lives  most  willingly  and  remained  unshaken  in 
their  faith  to  the  very  end.  Those  wonderful  souls  are  the  lamps 
of  God,  the  stars  of  sanctity  shining  gloriously  from  the  eternal 
horizon  of  the  will  of  God. 

His  Holiness  the  Bab  was  subjected  to  bitter  persecution  in 
Shiraz  where  he  first  proclaimed  his  mission  and  message.  A  period 
of  famine  afflicted  that  region  and  the  Bab  journeyed  to  Isfahan. 
There  the  learned  men  rose  against  him  in  great  hostility.    He  was 

133 


134     THE  PROMULGATION  OP  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

arrested  and  sent  to  Tabriz.  From  thence  he  was  transferred  to 
Maku  and  finally  imprisoned  in  the  strong  castle  of  Chihrik.  After- 
ward he  was  martyred  in  Tabriz. 

This  is  merely  an  outline  of  the  history  of  His  Holiness  the 
Bab.  He  withstood  all  persecutions  and  bore  every  suffering  and 
ordeal  with  unflinching  strength.  The  more  his  enemies  endeavored 
to  extinguish  that  flame  the  brighter  it  became.  Day  by  day  his 
cause  spread  and  strengthened.  During  the  time  when  he  was 
among  the  people  he  was  constantly  heralding  the  coming  of  Baha 
'Ullah.  In  all  his  books  and  tablets  he  mentioned  Baha  'Ullah 
and  announced  the  glad-tidings  of  his  manifestation,  prophesying 
that  he  would  reveal  himself  in  the  ninth  year.  He  said  that  in  the 
ninth  year  "you  will  attain  to  all  happiness;"  in  the  ninth  year 
' '  you  will  be  blessed  with  the  meeting  of  the  promised  one  of  whom 
I  have  spoken. ' '  He  mentioned  the  Blessed  Perfection  Baha  'Ullah 
by  the  title  "Him  whom  God  should  make  manifest."  In  brief,  that 
blessed  soul  offered  his  very  life  in  the  pathway  of  Baha  'Ullah 
even  as  it  is  recorded  in  historical  writings  and  records.  In  his 
first  book  Tlte  Best  of  Stones  he  says  "0  Remnant  of  God!  I 
am  wholly  sacrificed  to  thee ;  I  am  content  with  curses  in  thy  path ; 
I  crave  nought  but  to  be  slain  in  thy  love ;  and  God  the  Supreme 
sufficeth  as  an  eternal  protection." 

Consider  how  His  Holiness  the  Bab  endured  difficulties  and 
tribulations ;  how  he  gave  his  life  in  the  cause  of  God ;  how  he  was 
attracted  to  the  love  of  the  Blessed  Beauty  Baha  'Ullah  ;  and  how 
he  announced  the  glad-tidings  of  his  manifestation.  We  must  follow 
his  heavenly  example ;  we  must  be  self-sacrificing  and  aglow  with  the 
fire  of  the  love  of  God.  We  must  partake  of  the  bounty  and  grace 
of  the  Lord,  for  His  Holiness  the  Bab  has  admonished  us  to  arise 
in  service  to  the  cause  of  God,  to  be  absolutely  severed  from  all  else 
save  God  during  the  day  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  Baha  'Ullah, 
to  be  completely  attracted  by  the  love  of  Baha  'Ullah,  to  love  all 
humanity  for  his  sake,  be  lenient  and  merciful  to  all  for  him  and 
to  upbuild  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity.  Therefore  this 
day  May  23  is  the  anniversary  of  a  blessed  event. 

II 

May  25,  1912,  at  Huntington  Chambers,  Boston,  Mass. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

I  AM  going  away  from  your  city  but  I  leave  my  heart  with  you. 
My  spirit  will  be  here ;  I  will  not  forget  you.    I  ask  confirma- 
tion for  you  from  the  kingdom  of  Baha  'Ullah.      I  pray  that 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BOSTON  135 

you  may  advance  continually  in  spiritual  susceptibilities,  that  day 
by  day  you  may  grow  more  radiant  and  draw  nearer  to  God  until 
you  become  instrumental  in  illumining  the  world  of  humanity.  May 
these  confirniations  of  the  kingdom  of  God  encompass  you.  This 
is  my  hope,  my  prayer. 

In  the  estimation  of  historians  this  radiant  century  is  equivalent 
to  one  hundred  centuries  of  the  past.  If  comparison  be  made  with 
the  sum  total  of  all  former  human  achievements  it  will  be  found 
that  the  discoveries,  scientific  advancement  and  material  civiliza- 
tion of  this  present  century  have  equaled,  yea  far  exceeded  the 
progress  and  outcome  of  one  hundred  former  centuries.  The  pro- 
duction of  books  and  compilations  of  literature  alone  bear  witness 
that  the  output  of  the  human  mind  in  this  century  has  been  greater 
and  more  enlightening  than  all  the  past  centuries  together.  It  is 
evident  therefore  that  this  century  is  of  paramount  importance. 
Reflect  upon  the  miracles  of  accomplishment  which  have  already 
characterized  it,  the  discoveries  in  every  realm  of  human  research, 
inventions,  scientific  knowledge,  ethical  reforms  and  regulations 
established  for  the  welfare  of  humanity,  mysteries  of  nature  ex- 
plored, invisible  forces  brought  into  visibility  and  subjection,  a 
veritable  wonder-world  of  new  phenomena  and  conditions  hereto- 
fore unknown  to  man  now  open  to  his  uses  and  further  investiga- 
tion. The  east  and  west  can  communicate  instantly.  A  human 
being  can  soar  in  the  skies  or  speed  in  submarine  depths.  The 
power  of  steam  has  linked  the  continents.  Trains  cross  the  deserts 
and  pierce  the  barriers  of  mountains ;  ships  find  unerring  pathways 
upon  the  trackless  oceans.  Day  by  day  discoveries  are  increasing. 
AVhat  a  wonderful  century  this  is !  It  is  an  age  of  universal  re-for- 
mation. Laws  and  statutes  of  governments  civil  and  federal  are  in 
process  of  change  and  transformation.  Sciences  and  arts  are  being 
moulded  anew.  Thoughts  are  metamorphosed.  The  foundations  of 
human  society  are  changing  and  strengthening.  Today  sciences  of 
the  past  are  useless.  The  ptolemaic  system  of  astronomy,  number- 
less other  systems  and  theories  of  scientific  and  philosophical  ex- 
planation are  discarded,  known  to  be  false  and  worthless.  Ethical 
precedents  and  principles  cannot  be  applied  to  the  needs  of  the 
modern  world.  Thoughts  and  theories  of  past  ages  are  fruitless 
now.  Thrones  and  governments  are  crumbling  and  falling.  All 
conditions  and  requisites  of  the  past  unfitted  and  inadequate  for  the 
present  time,  are  undergoing  radical  reform.  It  is  evident  there- 
fore that  counterfeit  and  spurious  religious  teaching,  antiquated 
forms  of  belief  and  ancestral  imitations  which  are  at  variance  with 


136     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

the  foundations  of  divine  reality  must  also  pass  away  and  be  re- 
formed. They  must  be  abandoned  and  new  conditions  be  recog- 
nized. The  morals  of  humanity  must  undergo  change.  New  remedy 
and  solution  for  human  problems  must  be  adopted.  Human  intel- 
lects themselves  must  change  and  be  subject  to  the  universal  re- 
formation. Just  as  the  thoughts  and  hypotheses  of  past  ages  are 
fruitless  today,  likewise  dogmas  and  codes  of  human  invention  are 
obsolete  and  barren  of  product  in  religion.  Nay,  it  is  true  that 
they  are  the  cause  of  enmity  and  conducive  to  strife  in  the  world 
of  humanity ;  war  and  bloodshed  proceed  from  them  and  the  one- 
ness of  mankind  finds  no  recognition  in  their  observance.  There- 
fore it  is  our  duty  in  this  radiant  century  to  investigate  the  essen- 
tials of  divine  religion,  seek  the  realities  underlying  the  oneness 
of  the  world  of  humanity  and  discover  the  source  of  fellowship  and 
agreement  which  will  unite  mankind  in  the  heavenly  bond  of  love. 
This  unity  is  the  radiance  of  eternity,  the  divine  spirituality,  the 
effulgence  of  God  and  the  bounty  of  the  kingdom.  We  must  inves- 
tigate the  divine  source  of  these  heavenly  bestowals  and  adhere 
unto  them  steadfastly.  For  if  we  remain  fettered  and  restricted 
by  human  inventions  and  dogmas,  day  by  day  the  world  of  man- 
kind will  be  degraded,  day  by  day  warfare  and  strife  will  increase 
and  Satanic  forces  converge  toward  the  destruction  of  the  human 
race. 

If  love  and  agreement  are  manifest  in  a  single  family,  that 
family  will  advance,  become  illumined  and  spiritual ;  but  if  enmity 
and  hatred  exist  within  it  destraction  and  dispersion  are  inevitable. 
This  is  likewise  true  of  a  city.  If  those  who  dwell  within  it  manifest 
a  spirit  of  accord  and  fellowship  it  will  progress  steadily  and 
human  conditions  become  brighter  whereas  through  enmity  and 
strife  it  will  be  degraded  and  its  inhabitants  scattered.  In  the  same 
way  the  people  of  a  nation  develop  and  advance  toward  civilization 
and  enlightenment  through  love  and  accord,  and  are  disintegrated 
by  war  and  strife.  Finally,  this  is  true  of  humanity  itself  in  the 
aggregate.  When  love  is  realized  and  the  ideal  spiritual  bonds 
unite  the  hearts  of  men,  the  whole  human  race  will  be  uplifted,  the 
world  will  continually  grow  more  spiritual  and  radiant  and  the 
happiness  and  tranquillity  of  mankind  be  immeasurably  increased. 
Warfare  and  strife  will  be  uprooted,  disagreement  and  dissension 
pass  away  and  Universal  Peace  unite  the  nations  and  peoples  of  the 
world.  All  mankind  will  dwell  together  as  one  family,  blend  as  the 
waves  of  one  sea,  shine  as  stars  of  one  firmament  and  appear  as 
fruits  of  the  same  tree.  This  is  the  happiness  and  felicity  of  human- 
kind.   This  is  the  illumination  of  man,  the  glory  eternal  and  life 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BOSTON  137 

everlasting;  this  is  the  divine  bestowal.  I  desire  this  station  for 
you  and  I  pray  God  that  the  people  of  America  may  achieve  this 
great  end  in  order  that  the  virtue  of  this  democracy  may  be  insured 
and  their  names  be  glorified  eternally.  May  the  confirmations  of 
God  uphold  them  in  all  things  and  their  memories  become  revered 
throughout  the  east  and  the  west.  May  they  become  the  servants 
of  the  Most  High  God,  near  and  dear  to  him  in  the  oneness  of  the 
heavenly  kingdom. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  endured  ordeals  and  hardships 
sixty  years.  There  was  no  persecution,  vicissitude  or  sufit'ering 
he  did  not  experience  at  the  hand  of  his  enemies  and  oppressors. 
All  the  days  of  his  life  were  passed  in  difficulty  and  tribulation; 
at  one  time  in  prison,  another  in  exile,  sometimes  in  chains.  He 
willingly  endured  these  difficulties  for  the  unity  of  mankind,  pray- 
ing that  the  world  of  humanity  might  realize  the  radiance  of  God, 
the  oneness  of  humankind  become  a  reality,  strife  and  warfare 
cease  and  peace  and  tranquillity  be  realized  by  all.  In  prison  he 
hoisted  the  banner  of  human  solidarity,  proclaiming  Universal 
Peace,  writing  to  the  kings  and  rulers  of  nations  summoning  them 
to  international  unity  and  counselling  arbitration.  His  life  was 
a  vortex  of  persecution  and  difficulty,  yet  catastrophes,  extreme 
ordeals  and  vicissitudes  did  not  hinder  the  accomplishment  of  his 
work  and  mission.  Nay,  on  the  contrary  his  power  became  greater 
and  greater,  his  efficiency  and  influence  spread  and  increased  until 
his  glorious  light  shone  throughout  the  Orient,  love  and  unity  were 
established  and  the  differing  religions  found  a  center  of  contact  and 
reconciliation. 

Therefore  we  also  must  strive  in  this  pathway  of  love  and  ser- 
vice, sacrificing  life  and  possessions,  passing  our  days  in  devotion, 
consecrating  our  efforts  wholly  to  the  cause  of  God,  so  that,  God 
willing,  the  ensign  of  universal  religion  may  be  uplifted  in  the 
world  of  mankind  and  the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  be 
established. 

In  your  hearts  I  have  beheld  the  reflection  of  a  great  and  won- 
derful love.  The  Americans  have  shown  me  uniform  kindness  and 
I  entertain  a  deep  spiritual  love  for  them.  I  am  pleased  with  the 
susceptibilities  of  your  hearts.  I  will  pray  for  you  asking  divine 
assistance  and  then  say  farewell. 

O  my  God!  0  my  God!  verily  these  servants  are  turning  to 
thee,  supplicating  thy  kingdom  of  mercy.  Verily  they  are  attracted 
by  thy  holiness  and  set  aglow  with  the  fire  of  thy  love,  seeking  con- 
firmation from  thy  wondrous  kingdom  and  hoping  for  attainment 
in  thy  heavenly  realm.     Verily  they  long  for  the  descent  of  thy 


138     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

bestowal,  desiring  illumination  from  the  Sun  of  Reality.  0  Lord! 
make  them  radiant  lamps,  merciful  signs,  fruitful  trees  and  shin- 
ing stars.  ]\Iay  they  come  forth  in  thy  service  and  be  connected 
with  thee  by  the  bonds  and  ties  of  thy  love,  longing  for  the  lights 
of  thy  favor.  0  Lord !  make  them  signs  of  guidance,  standards  of 
thy  immortal  kingdom,  waves  of  the  sea  of  thy  mercy,  mirrors  of 
the  light  of  thy  majesty.  Verily  thou  art  the  generous!  Verily 
thou  art  the  merciful !    Verily  thou  art  the  precious,  the  beloved ! 


Ill 

May  24,  1912,  at  Free  Religious  Association  or  Unitarian 
Conference,  Boston,  Mass. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

CREATION  is  the  expression  of  motion.  Motion  is  life.  A  mov- 
ing object  is  a  living  object  whereas  that  which  is  motionless 
and  inert  is  as  dead.  All  created  forms  are  progressive  in  their 
planes  or  kingdoms  of  existence  under  the  stimulus  of  the  power  or 
spirit  of  life.  The  universal  energy  is  dynamic.  Nothing  is  station- 
ary in  the  material  world  of  outer  phenomena  or  in  the  inner  world 
of  intellect  and  consciousness. 

Religion  is  the  outer  expression  of  the  divine  reality.  Therefore 
it  must  be  living,  vitalized,  moving  and  progressive.  If  it  be  with- 
out motion  and  non-progressive  it  is  without  the  divine  life;  it  is 
dead.  The  divine  institutes  are  continuously  active  and  evolution- 
ary ;  therefore  the  revelation  of  them  must  be  progressive  and  con- 
tinuous. All  things  are  subject  to  re-formation.  This  is  a  century 
of  life  and  renewal.  Sciences  and  arts,  industry  and  invention  have 
been  reformed.  Law  and  ethics  have  been  reconstituted,  reorganized. 
The  world  of  thought  has  been  regenerated.  Sciences  of  former 
ages  and  philosophies  of  the  past  are  useless  today.  Present  exi- 
gencies demand  new  methods  of  solution;  world  problems  are 
without  precedent.  Old  ideas  and  modes  of  thought  are  fast  becom- 
ing obsolete.  Ancient  laws  and  archaic  ethical  systems  will  not 
meet  the  requirements  of  modern  conditions,  for  this  is  clearly  the 
century  of  a  new  life,  the  century  of  the  revelation  of  the  reality 
and  therefore  the  greatest  of  all  centuries.  Consider  how  the  scien- 
tific developments  of  fifty  years  have  surpassed  and  eclipsed  the 
knowledge  and  achievements  of  all  the  former  ages  combined. 
Would  the  announcements  and  theories  of  ancient  astronomers 
explain  our  present  knowledge  of  the  sun-worlds  and  planetary 
systems?    Would  the  mask  of  obscurity  which  beclouded  mediaeval 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BOSTON  139 

centuries  meet  the  demand  for  clear-eyed  vision  and  understanding 
which  characterizes  the  world  today?  Will  the  despotism  of 
former  governments  answer  the  call  for  freedom  which  has  risen 
from  the  heart  of  humanity  in  this  cycle  of  illumination?  It  is 
evident  that  no  vital  results  are  now  forthcoming  from  the  customs, 
institutions  and  standpoints  of  the  past.  In  view  of  this,  shall  blind 
imitations  of  ancestral  forms  and  theological  interpretations  con- 
tinue to  guide  and  control  the  religious  life  and  spiritual  develop- 
ment of  humanity  today?  Shall  man  gifted  with  the  power  of 
reason  unthinkingly  follow  and  adhere  to  dogma,  creeds  and  hered- 
itary beliefs  which  will  not  bear  the  analysis  of  reason  in  this 
century  of  effulgent  reality?  Unquestionably  this  will  not  satisfy 
men  of  science,  for  when  they  find  premise  or  conclusion  contrary 
to  present  standards  of  proof  and  without  real  foundation,  they 
reject  that  which  has  been  formerly  accepted  as  standard  and  cor- 
rect and  move  forward  from  new  foundations. 

The  divine  prophets  have  revealed  and  founded  religion.  They 
have  laid  down  certain  laws  and  heavenly  principles  for  the  guid- 
ance of  mankind.  They  have  taught  and  promulgated  the  knowl- 
edge of  God,  established  praiseworthy  ethical  ideals  and  inculcated 
the  highest  standards  of  virtues  in  the  human  world.  Gradually 
these  heavenly  teachings  and  foundations  of  reality  have  been  be- 
clouded by  human  interpretations  and  dogmatic  imitations  of 
ancestral  beliefs.  The  essential  realities  which  the  prophets  labored 
so  hard  to  establish  in  human  hearts  and  minds  while  undergoing 
ordeals  and  suffering  tortures  of  persecution,  have  now  well  nigh 
vanished.  Some  of  these  heavenly  messengers  have  been  killed, 
some  imprisoned  ;  all  of  them  despised  and  rejected  while  proclaim- 
ing the  reality  of  divinity.  Soon  after  their  departure  from  this 
world,  the  essential  truth  of  their  teachings  was  lost  sight  of  and 
dogmatic  imitations  adhered  to. 

Inasmuch  as  human  interpretations  and  blind  imitations  diff'er 
widely,  religious  strife  and  disagreement  have  arisen  among  man- 
kind, the  light  of  true  religion  has  been  extinguished  and  the  unity 
of  the  world  of  humanity  destroyed.  The  prophets  of  God  voiced 
the  spirit  of  unity  and  agreement.  They  have  been  the  founders 
of  divine  reality.  Therefore  if  the  nations  of  the  world  forsake 
imitations  and  investigate  the  reality  underlying  the  revealed 
Word  of  God  they  will  agree  and  become  reconciled.  For  reality  is 
one  and  not  multiple. 

The  nations  and  religions  are  steeped  in  blind  and  bigoted  imita- 
tions. A  man  is  a  Jew  because  his  father  was  a  Jew.  The  Moham- 
medan follows  implicitly  the  footsteps  of  his  ancestors  in  belief  and 


140     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

observance.  The  Buddhist  is  true  to  his  heredity  as  a  Buddhist. 
That  is  to  say  they  profess  religious  belief  blindly  and  without 
investigation,  making  unity  and  agreement  impossible.  It  is  evident 
therefore  that  this  condition  will  not  be  remedied  without  a  re-for- 
mation in  the  world  of  religion.  In  other  words  the  fundamental 
reality  of  the  divine  religions  must  be  renewed,  reformed,  revoiced 
to  mankind. 

From  the  seed  of  reality,  religion  has  grown  into  a  tree  which 
has  put  forth  leaves  and  branches,  blossoms  and  fruit.  After  a 
time  this  tree  has  fallen  into  a  condition  of  decay.  The  leaves 
and  blossoms  have  withered  and  perished;  the  tree  has  become 
stricken  and  fruitless.  It  is  not  reasonable  that  man  should  hold  to 
the  old  tree,  claiming  that  its  life  forces  are  undiminished,  its  fruit 
unequalled,  its  existence  eternal.  The  seed  of  reality  must  be  sown 
again  in  human  hearts  in  order  that  a  new  tree  may  grow  there- 
from and  new  divine  fruits  refresh  the  world.  By  this  means  the 
nations  and  peoples  now  divergent  in  religion  will  be  brought  into 
unity,  imitations  will  be  forsaken  and  a  universal  brotherhood  in 
the  reality  itself  will  be  established.  Warfare  and  strife  will  cease 
among  mankind ;  all  will  be  reconciled  as  servants  of  God.  For  all 
are  sheltered  beneath  the  tree  of  his  providence  and  mercy.  God  is 
kind  to  all ;  he  is  the  giver  of  bounty  to  all  alike,  even  as  His  Holi- 
ness Jesus  Christ  has  declared  that  God  "sendeth  rain  on  the  .just 
and  on  the  unjust;"  that  is  to  say,  the  mercy  of  God  is  universal. 
All  humanity  is  under  the  protection  of  his  love  and  favor,  and 
unto  all  he  has  pointed  the  way  of  guidance  and  progress.  Progress 
is  of  two  kinds,  material  and  spiritual.  The  former  is  attained 
through  observation  of  the  surrounding  existence  and  constitutes 
the  foundation  of  civilization.  Spiritual  progress  is  through  the 
breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  is  the  awakening  of  the  conscious 
soul  of  man  to  perceive  the  reality  of  divinity.  Material  progress 
insures  the  happiness  of  the  human  world.  Spiritual  progress  in- 
sures the  happiness  and  eternal  continuance  of  the  soul.  The 
prophets  of  God  have  founded  the  laws  of  divine  civilization. 
They  have  been  the  root  and  fundamental  source  of  all  knowledge. 
They  have  established  the  principles  of  human  brotherhood  or 
fraternity  which  is  of  various  kinds,  such  as  the  fraternity  of  family, 
of  race,  of  nation  and  of  ethical  motives.  These  forms  of  fraternity, 
these  bonds  of  brotherhood  are  merely  temporal  and  transient  in 
association.  They  do  not  insure  harmony  and  are  usually  produc- 
tive of  disagreement.  They  do  not  prevent  warfare  and  strife ;  on 
the  contrary  they  are  selfish,  restricted  and  fruitful  causes  of  en- 
mity and  hatred  among  mankind.    The  spiritual  brotherhood  which 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BOSTON  141 

is  enkindled  and  established  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
unites  nations  and  removes  the  cause  of  warfare  and  strife.  It 
transforms  mankind  into  one  great  family  and  establishes  the  foun- 
dations of  the  oneness  of  humanity.  It  promulgates  the  spirit  of 
international  agreement  and  insures  Universal  Peace.  Therefore 
we  must  investigate  the  foundation  reality  of  this  heavenly  frater- 
nity. We  must  forsake  all  imitations  and  promote  the  reality  of  the 
divine  teachings.  In  accordance  with  these  principles  and  actions 
and  by  the  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  both  material  and  spiritual 
happiness  shall  become  realized.  Until  all  nations  and  peoples 
become  united  by  the  bonds  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  this  real  frater- 
nity, until  national  and  international  prejudices  are  effaced  in  the 
reality  of  this  spiritual  brotherhood,  true  progress,  prosperity  and 
lasting  happiness  will  not  be  attained  by  man.  This  is  the  century 
of  new  and  universal  nationhood.  Sciences  have  advanced,  indus- 
tries have  progressed,  politics  have  been  reformed,  liberty  has  been 
proclaimed,  justice  is  awakening.  This  is  the  century  of  motion, 
divine  stimulus  and  accomplishment;  the  century  of  human  soli- 
darity and  altruistic  service;  the  century  of  Universal  Peace  and 
the  reality  of  the  divine  kingdom. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  New  York  and  Fanwood. 

May  26,  1912,  at  Mount  Morris  Baptist  Church,  Fifth  Ave.  and 

126th  Street,  New  York. 
Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

AS  I  entered  the  church  this  evening  I  heard  the  hymn  ' '  Nearer 
my  God,  to  Thee."  The  greatest  attainment  in  the  world  of 
humanity  is  nearness  to  God.  Every  lasting  glory,  honor,  grace  and 
beauty  which  comes  to  man  comes  through  nearness  to  God.  All 
the  prophets  and  apostles  longed  and  prayed  for  nearness  to  the 
creator.  How  many  nights  they  passed  in  sleepless  yearning  for 
this  station ;  how  many  days  they  devoted  to  supplication  for  this 
attainment,  seeking  ever  to  draw  nigh  unto  him !  But  nearness  to 
God  is  not  an  easy  accomplishment.  During  the  time  His  Holiness 
Jesus  Christ  was  upon  the  earth  mankind  sought  nearness  to  God, 
but  in  that  day  no  one  attained  save  a  very  few,  his  disciples.  Those 
blessed  souls  were  confirmed  with  divine  nearness  through  the  love 
of  God.  Divine  nearness  is  dependent  upon  attainment  to  the 
knowledge  of  God,  upon  severance  from  all  else  save  God.  It  is 
contingent  upon  self-sacrifice,  and  to  be  found  only  through  for- 
feiting wealth  and  worldly  possessions.  It  is  made  possible  through 
the  baptism  of  water  and  fire  revealed  in  the  gospels.  Water  sym- 
bolizes the  water  of  life  which  is  knowledge,  and  fire  is  the  fire  of 
the  love  of  God ;  therefore  man  must  be  baptized  with  the  water 
of  life,  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  fire  of  the  love  of  the  kingdom. 
Until  he  attains  these  three  degrees,  nearness  to  God  is  not  possible. 
This  is  the  process  by  which  the  Bahais  of  Persia  have  attained. 
They  gave  their  lives  for  this  station,  sacrificed  honor,  comfort  and 
possessions,  hastened  with  the  utmost  joy  to  the  place  of  martyr- 
dom; their  blood  was  spilled,  their  bodies  M^ere  tortured  and 
destroyed,  their  homes  pillaged,  their  children  carried  into  captivity. 
They  endured  all  these  conditions  joyfully  and  willingly.  Through 
such  sacrifice  nearness  to  God  is  made  possible.  And  be  it  known 
that  this  nearness  is  not  dependent  upon  time  or  place.  Nearness 
to  God  is  dependent  upon  purity  of  the  heart  and  exhilaration  of 
the  spirit  through  the  glad-tidings  of  the  kingdom.  Consider  how 
a  pure,  well-polished  mirror  fully  reflects  the  effulgence  of  the 
sun,  no  matter  how  distant  the  sun  may  be.  As  soon  as  the  mirror 
is  cleaned  and  purified  the  sun  will  manifest  itself.    The  more  pure 

142 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  143 

and  sanctified  the  heart  of  man  becomes,  the  nearer  it  draws  to  God 
and  the  light  of  the  Sim  of  Reality  is  revealed  within  it.  This  light 
sets  hearts  aglow  with  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God,  opens  in  them  the 
doors  of  knowledge  and  unseals  the  divine  mysteries  so  that  spiritual 
discoveries  are  made  possible.  All  the  prophets  have  drawn  near 
to  God  through  severance.  We  must  emulate  those  holy  souls  and 
renounce  our  own  wishes  and  desires.  We  must  purify  ourselves 
from  the  mire  and  soil  of  earth  contact  until  our  hearts  become  as 
mirrors  in  clearness  and  the  light  of  the  most  great  guidance  re- 
veals itself  in  them. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  proclaims  in  his  Iliddfin  Words 
that  God  inspires  his  servants  and  is  revealed  through  them.  He 
says  "Thy  heart  is  my  abode;  purify  it  for  my  descent.  Thy  spirit 
is  my  outlook;  prepare  it  for  my  manifestation,"  Therefore  w^e 
learn  that  nearness  to  God  is  possible  through  devotion  to  him, 
through  entrance  into  the  kingdom,  and  service  to  humanity ;  it  is 
attained  by  unity  with  mankind  and  through  loving-kindness  to 
all ;  it  is  dependent  upon  investigation  of  truth,  acquisition  of  praise- 
worthy virtues,  service  in  the  cause  of  Universal  Peace,  and  per- 
sonal sanctification.  In  a  word,  nearness  to  God  necessitates  sacri- 
fice of  self,  severance  and  the  giving  up  of  all  to  him.  Nearness  is 
likeness. 

Behold  how  the  sun  shines  upon  all  creation  but  only  surfaces 
that  are  pure  and  polished  can  reflect  its  glory  and  light.  The 
darkened  soul  has  no  portion  of  the  revelation  of  the  glorious 
effulgence  of  reality,  and  the  soil  of  self,  unable  to  take  advantage 
of  that  light,  does  not  produce  growth.  The  eyes  of  the  blind 
cannot  behold  the  rays  of  the  sun ;  only  pure  eyes  with  sound  and 
perfect  sight  can  receive  them.  Green  and  living  trees  can  absorb 
the  bounty  of  the  sun;  dead  roots  and  withered  branches  are 
destroyed  by  it.  Therefore  man  must  seek  capacity  and  develop 
readiness.  As  long  as  he  lacks  susceptibility  to  divine  influences 
he  is  incapable  of  reflecting  the  light  and  assimilating  its  benefits. 
Sterile  soil  will  produce  nothing  even  if  the  cloud  of  mercy  pours 
rain  upon  it  a  thousand  years.  We  must  make  the  soil  of  our 
hearts  receptive  and  fertile  by  tilling,  in  order  that  the  rain  of 
divine  mercy  may  refresh  them  and  bring  forth  roses  and  hyacinths 
of  heavenly  planting.  We  must  have  perceiving  eyes  in  order  to 
see  the  light  of  the  sun.  We  must  cleanse  the  nostril  in  order  to 
scent  the  fragrances  of  the  divine  rose-garden.  We  must  render  the 
ears  attentive  in  order  to  hear  the  summons  of  the  supreme  king- 
dom.    No  matter  how  beautiful  the  melody,  the  ear  that  is  deaf 


144     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

cannot  hear  it,  cannot  receive  the  call  of  the  Supreme  Concourse. 
The  nostril  that  is  clogged  with  dust  cannot  inhale  the  fragrant 
odors  of  the  blossoms.  Therefore  we  must  ever  strive  for  capacity 
and  seek  readiness.  As  long  as  we  lack  susceptibility,  the  beauties 
and  bounties  of  God  cannot  penetrate.  His  Holiness  Christ  spoke 
a  parable  in  which  he  said  his  words  were  like  the  seeds  of  the 
sower;  some  fall  upon  stony  ground,  some  upon  sterile  soil,  some 
are  choked  by  thorns  and  thistles  but  some  fall  upon  ready,  recep- 
tive and  fertile  ground  of  human  hearts.  When  seeds  are  cast  upon 
sterile  soil  no  growth  follows.  Those  cast  upon  stony  ground 
will  grow  a  short  time  but  lacking  deep  roots  will  wither  away. 
Thorns  and  thistles  destroy  others  completely ;  but  the  seed  cast  in 
good  ground  brings  forth  harvest  and  fruitage. 

In  the  same  way,  the  words  I  speak  to  you  here  tonight  may 
produce  no  effect  whatever.  Some  hearts  may  be  affected,  then  soon 
forget;  others  owing  to  superstitious  ideas  and  imaginations  may 
even  fail  to  hear  and  understand,  but  the  blessed  souls  who  are 
attentive  to  my  exhortation  and  admonition,  listening  with  the  ear 
of  acceptance,  allowing  my  words  to  penetrate  effectively  will  ad- 
vance day  by  day  toward  full  fruition,  yea  even  to  the  Supreme 
Concourse.  Consider  how  the  parable  makes  attainment  dependent 
upon  capacity.  Unless  capacity  is  developed,  the  summons  of  the 
kingdom  cannot  reach  the  ear,  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  will 
not  be  observed  and  the  fragrances  of  the  rose-garden  of  inner 
significance  will  be  lost.  Let  us  endeavor  to  attain  capacity,  sus- 
ceptibility and  worthiness,  that  we  may  hear  the  call  of  the  glad- 
tidings  of  the  kingdom,  become  revivified  by  the  breaths  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  hoist  the  standard  of  the  oneness  of  humanity,  establish 
human  brotherhood,  and  under  the  protection  of  divine  grace 
attain  the  life  everlasting  and  eternal. 

0  thou  forgiving  God !  These  servants  are  turning  to  thy  king- 
dom and  seeking  thy  grace  and  bounty.  0  God !  make  their  hearts 
good  and  pure  in  order  that  they  may  become  worthy  of  thy  love. 
Purify  and  sanctify  the  spirits  that  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Reality 
may  shine  through  them.  Purify  and  sanctify  the  eyes  that  they 
may  perceive  thy  lights.  Purify  and  sanctify  the  ears  in  order  that 
they  may  hear  the  call  of  thy  kingdom.  0  Lord!  verily  we  are 
weak  but  thou  art  mighty.  Verily  we  are  poor  but  thou  art  rich. 
We  are  seekers  and  thou  art  the  one  sought.  0  Lord!  have  com- 
passion upon  us  and  forgive  us ;  bestow  upon  us  capacity  and  read- 
iness in  order  that  we  may  be  responsive  to  thy  favors,  attracted 
to  thy  kingdom,  enkindled  with  the  fire  of  thy  love  and  resuscitated 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  145 

through  the  breaths  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  this  radiant  century. 
Thou  art  powerful ;  thou  art  almighty ;  thou  art  merciful ;  and  thou 
art  most  generous ! 

II 

May  28,  1912,  at  Metropolitan  Temple  (Reception),  Seventh 
Avenue  and  Fourteenth  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

THE  fatherhood  of  God,  his  loving-kindness  and  beneficence  are 
apparent  to  all.  In  his  mercy  he  provides  fully  and  amply 
for  his  creatures  and  if  any  soul  sins  he  does  not  suspend  his 
bounty.  All  created  things  are  visible  manifestations  of  his  father- 
hood, mercy  and  heavenly  bestowals.  Human  brotherhood  is  like- 
wise as  clear  and  evident  as  the  sun,  for  all  are  servants  of  one 
God,  belong  to  one  humankind,  inhabit  the  same  globe,  are  shel- 
tered beneath  the  overshadowing  dome  of  heaven  and  submerged 
in  the  sea  of  divine  mercy.  Human  brotherhood  and  dependence 
exist  because  mutual  helpfulness  and  cooperation  are  the  two  nec- 
essary principles  underlying  human  welfare.  This  is  the  physical 
relationship  of  mankind.  There  is  another  brotherhood,  the 
spiritual,  which  is  higher,  holier  and  superior  to  all  others.  It  is 
heavenly;  it  emanates  from  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
the  effulgence  of  merciful  attributes ;  it  is  founded  upon  spiritual 
susceptibilities.  This  brotherhood  is  established  by  the  manifes- 
tations of  the  Holy  One. 

The  divine  manifestations  since  the  day  of  Adam  have  striven 
to  unite  humanity  so  that  all  may  be  accounted  as  one  soul  The 
function  and  purpose  of  a  shepherd  is  to  gather  and  not  disperse 
his  flock.  The  prophets  of  God  have  been  divine  shepherds  of 
humanity.  They  have  established  a  bond  of  love  and  unity  among 
mankind,  made  scattered  peoples  one  nation  and  wandering  tribes 
a  mighty  kingdom.  They  have  laid  the  foundation  of  the  oneness 
of  God  and  summoned  all  to  Universal  Peace.  All  these  holj^ 
divine  manifestations  are  one.  They  have  served  one  God,  pro- 
mulgated the  same  truth,  founded  the  same  institutions  and 
reflected  the  same  light.  Their  appearances  have  been  successive 
and  correlated ;  each  one  has  announced  and  extolled  the  one  who 
was  to  follow  and  all  laid  the  foundation  of  reality.  They  sum- 
moned and  invited  the  people  to  love  and  made  the  human  world 
a  mirror  of  the  Word  of  God.  Therefore  the  divine  religions  they 
established  have  one  foundation;  their  teachings,  proofs  and  evi- 


146     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

dences  are  one;  in  name  and  form  they  differ  but  in  reality  they 
agree  and  are  the  same.  These  holy  manifestations  have  been  as 
the  coming  of  springtime  in  the  world.  Although  the  springtime 
of  this  year  is  designated  by  another  name  according  to  the 
changing  calendar,  yet  as  regards  its  life  and  quickening  it  is  the 
same  as  the  springtime  of  last  year.  For  each  spring  is  the  time 
of  a  new  creation,  the  effects,  bestowals,  perfections  and  life-giv- 
ing forces  of  which  are  the  same  as  those  of  the  former  vernal 
seasons  although  the  names  are  many  and  various.  This  is  1912, 
last  year's  was  1911  and  so  on,  but  in  fundamental  reality  no 
difference  is  apparent.  The  sun  is  one  but  the  dawning-points  of 
the  sun  are  numerous  and  changing.  The  ocean  is  one  body  of 
water  but  different  parts  of  it  have  particular  designation,  Atlantic, 
Pacific,  Mediterranean,  Antarctic,  etc.  If  we  consider  the  names, 
there  is  differentiation,  but  the  water,  the  ocean  itself  is  one  reality. 
Likewise  the  divine  religions  of  the  holy  manifestations  of  God 
are  in  reality  one  though  in  name  and  nomenclature  they  differ. 
Man  must  be  a  lover  of  the  light  no  matter  from  what  day-spring 
it  may  appear.  He  must  be  a  lover  of  the  rose  no  matter  in  what 
soil  it  may  be  growing.  He  must  be  a  seeker  of  the  truth  no  mat- 
ter from  what  source  it  come.  Attachment  to  the  lantern  is  not 
loving  the  light.  Attachment  to  the  earth  is  not  befitting  but  en- 
joyment of  the  rose  which  develops  from  the  soil  is  worthy.  Devo- 
tion to  the  tree  is  profitless  but  partaking  of  the  fruit  is  bene- 
ficial. Luscious  fruits  no  matter  upon  what  tree  they  grow  or 
where  they  may  be  found  must  be  enjoyed.  The  word  of  truth 
no  matter  w^iich  tongue  utters  it  must  be  sanctioned.  Absolute 
verities  no  matter  in  what  book  they  be  recorded  must  be  ac- 
cepted. If  we  harbor  prejudice  it  will  be  the  cause  of  deprivation 
and  ignorance.  The  strife  between  religions,  nations  and  races 
arises  from  misunderstanding.  If  we  investigate  the  religions  to 
discover  the  principles  underlying  their  foundations  we  will  find 
they  agree,  for  the  fundamental  reality  of  them  is  one  and  not 
multiple.  By  this  means  the  religionists  of  the  world  will  reach 
their  point  of  unity  and  reconciliation.  They  will  ascertain  the 
truth  that  the  purpose  of  religion  is  the  acquisition  of  praiseworthy 
virtues,  betterment  of  morals,  spiritual  development  of  mankind, 
the  real  life  and  divine  bestowals.  All  the  prophets  have  been  the 
promoters  of  these  principles;  none  of  them  has  been  the  pro- 
moter of  corruption,  vice  or  evil.  They  have  summoned  mankind 
to  all  good.  They  have  united  people  in  the  love  of  God,  invited 
them  to  the  religions  of  the  unity  of  mankind  and  exhorted  them  to 
amity  and  agreement.     For  example,  we  mention  Abraham  and 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  147 

Moses.  By  this  mention  we  do  not  mean  the  limitation  implied  in 
the  mere  names  but  intend  the  virtues  which  these  names  embody. 
When  we  say  "Abraham"  we  mean  thereby  a  manifestation  of 
divine  guidance,  a  center  of  human  virtues,  a  source  of  heavenly 
bestowals  to  mankind,  a  dawning-point  of  divine  inspiration  and 
perfections.  These  perfections  and  graces  are  not  limited  to  names 
and  boundaries.  When  we  find  these  virtues,  qualities  and  attrib- 
utes in  any  personality,  we  recognize  the  same  reality  shining  from 
within  and  bow  in  acknowledgment  of  the  Abrahamic  perfections. 
Similarly  we  acknowledge  and  adore  the  beauty  of  Moses.  Some 
souls  were  lovers  of  the  name  Abraham,  loving  the  lantern  instead 
of  the  light  and  when  they  saw  this  same  light  shining  from  an- 
other lantern  they  were  so  attached  to  the  former  lantern  that  they 
did  not  recognize  its  later  appearance  and  illumination.  Therefore 
those  who  were  attached  and  held  tenaciously  to  the  name  Abraham 
were  deprived  when  the  Abrahamic  virtues  reappeared  in  Moses. 
Similarly  the  Jews  were  believers  in  His  Holiness  Moses,  await- 
ing the  coming  of  the  Messiah.  The  virtues  and  perfections  of 
.Moses  became  apparent  in  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  most  efful- 
gently  but  the  Jews  held  to  the  name  Moses,  not  adoring  the  vir- 
tues and  perfections  manifest  in  him.  Had  they  been  adoring 
these  virtues  and  seeking  these  perfections  they  would  assuredly 
have  believed  in  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  when  the  same  virtues 
and  perfections  shone  in  him.  If  we  are  lovers  of  the  light  we 
adore  it  in  whatever  lamp  it  may  become  manifest  but  if  we  love 
the  lamp  itself  and  the  light  is  transferred  to  another  lamp  we 
will  neither  accept  nor  sanction  it.  Therefore  we  must  follow  and 
adore  the  virtues  revealed  in  the  messengers  of  God  whether  in 
Abraham,  Moses,  Jesus  or  other  prophets  but  we  must  not  adhere 
to  and  adore  the  lamp.  We  must  recognize  the  sun  no  matter  from 
what  dawning-point  it  may  shine  forth,  be  it  Mosaic,  Abrahamic 
or  any  personal  point  of  orientation  whatever,  for  we  are  lovers  of 
sunlight  and  not  of  orientation.  AVe  are  lovers  of  illumination  and 
not  of  lamps  and  candles.  We  are  seekers  for  water  no  matter 
from  what  rock  it  may  gush  forth.  We  are  in  need  of  fruit  in 
whatsoever  orchard  it  may  be  ripened.  We  long  for  rain  it  matters 
not  which  cloud  pours  it  down.  We  must  not  be  fettered.  If  we 
renounce  these  fetters  we  shall  agree,  for  all  are  seekers  of  reality. 
The  counterfeit  or  imitation  of  true  religion  has  adulterated  human 
belief  and  the  foundations  have  been  lost  sight  of.  The  variance 
of  these  imitations  has  produced  enmity  and  strife,  war  and  blood- 
shed. Now  the  glorious  and  brilliant  twentieth  century  has  dawned 
and  the  divine  bounty  is  radiating  universally.     The  Sun  of  Truth 


148     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

is  shining  forth  in  intense  enkindlement.  This  is  verily  the  century 
when  these  imitations  must  be  forsaken,  superstitions  abandoned 
and  God  alone  worshiped.  We  must  look  at  the  reality  of  the 
prophets  and  their  teachings  in  order  that  we  may  agree. 

Praise  be  to  God !  the  springtime  of  God  is  at  hand.  This  cen- 
tury is  verily  the  spring  season.  The  world  of  mind  and  kingdom 
of  soul  have  become  fresh  and  verdant  by  its  bestowals.  It  has 
resuscitated  the  whole  realm  of  existence.  On  one  hand  the  lights 
of  reality  are  shining ;  on  the  other  the  clouds  of  divine  mercy  are 
pouring  down  the  fullness  of  heavenly  bounty.  Wonderful  material 
progress  is  evident  and  great  spiritual  discoveries  are  being  made. 
Truly  this  can  be  called  the  miracle  of  centuries  for  it  is  replete 
with  manifestations  of  the  miraculous.  The  time  has  come  when  all 
mankind  shall  be  united,  when  all  races  shall  be  loyal  to  one  father- 
land, all  religions  become  one  religion  and  racial  and  religious  bias 
pass  away.  It  is  a  day  in  which  the  oneness  of  humankind  shall 
uplift  its  standard  and  international  peace  like  the  true  morning 
flood  the  world  with  its  light.  Therefore  we  offer  supplications  to 
God,  asking  him  to  dispel  these  gloomy  clouds  and  uproot  these 
imitations  in  order  that  the  east  and  west  may  become  radiant 
with  love  and  unity;  that  the  nations  of  the  world  shall  embrace 
each  other  and  the  ideal  spiritual  brotherhood  illumine  the  world 
like  the  glorious  sun  of  the  high  heavens.  This  is  our  hope,  our 
wish  and  desire.  We  pray  that  through  the  bounty  and  grace  of 
God  we  may  attain  thereto.  I  am  very  happy  to  be  present  at  this 
meeting  which  has  innate  radiance,  intelligence,  perception  and 
longing  to  investigate  reality.  Such  meetings  are  the  glory  of  the 
world  of  mankind.    I  ask  the  blessing  of  God  in  your  behalf. 

Ill 

May  29,  1912,  at  780  West  End  Avenue,  New  York. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward  B.  Kinney. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

THE  divine  manifestations  have  been  iconoclastic  in  their  teach- 
ings, uprooting  error,  destroying  false  religious  beliefs  and 
summoning  mankind  anew  to  the  fundamental  oneness  of  God.  All 
of  them  have  likewise  proclaimed  the  oneness  of  the  world  of 
humanity.  The  essential  teaching  of  His  Holiness  Moses  was  the 
law  of  Sinai,  the  ten  commandments.  His  Holiness  Christ  renewed 
and  again  revealed  the  commands  of  the  one  God  and  precepts  of 
human  action.   In  His  Holiness  Mohammed  although  the  circle  was 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  149 

wider  the  intention  of  his  teaching  was  likewise  to  uplift  and  unify 
humanity  in  the  knowledge  of  the  one  God.  In  His  Holiness  the 
Bab  the  circle  was  again  very  much  enlarged  but  the  essential 
teaching  was  the  same.  The  books  of  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah 
number  more  than  one  hundred.  Each  one  is  an  evident  proof 
sufficient  for  mankind ;  each  one  from  foundation  to  apex  proclaims 
the  essential  unity  of  God  and  humanity,  the  love  of  God,  abolition 
of  war  and  the  divine  standard  of  peace.  Each  one  also  inculcates 
divine  morality,  the  manifestation  of  lordly  graces;  in  every  word 
a  book  of  meanings.  For  the  Word  of  God  is  collective  wisdom, 
absolute  knowledge  and  eternal  truth. 

Consider  the  statement  recorded  in  the  first  chapter  of  the  book 
of  John:  "In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with 
God,  and  the  Word  was  God."  This  is  a  brief  statement  but 
replete  with  greatest  meanings.  Its  applications  are  illimitable 
and  beyond  the  power  of  books  or  words  to  contain  and  express. 
Heretofore  the  doctors  of  theology  have  not  expounded  it  but  have 
restricted  it  to  Jesus  as  "The  Word  made  flesh,"  the  separation  of 
Jesus  from  God  the  father,  and  his  descent  upon  the  earth.  In  this 
way  the  individualized  separation  of  the  Godhead  came  to  be 
taught. 

The  essential  oneness  of  father,  son  and  spirit  has  many  mean- 
ings and  constitutes  the  foundation  of  Christianity.  Today  we  will 
merely  give  a  synopsis  of  explanation.    Why  was  Jesus  the  Word  ? 

In  the  universe  of  creation,  all  phenomenal  beings  are  as  let- 
ters. Letters  in  themselves  are  meaningless  and  express  nothing 
of  thought  or  ideal;  as  for  instance  "a,"  "b,"  etc.  Likewise  all 
phenomenal  beings  are  without  independent  meaning.  But  a  word 
is  composed  of  letters  and  has  independent  sense  and  meaning. 
Therefore  as  Christ  conveyed  the  perfect  meaning  of  divine  reality 
and  embodied  independent  significance  he  was  the  Word.  He  was 
as  the  station  of  reality  compared  to  the  station  of  metaphor. 
There  is  no  intrinsic  meaning  in  the  leaves  of  a  book  but  the 
thought  they  convey  leads  you  to  reflect  upon  the  reality.  The 
reality  of  Jesus  was  the  perfect  meaning,  the  Christhood  in  him 
which  in  the  holy  books  is  symbolized  as  the  Word. 

"The  Word  was  with  God."  The  Christhood  means  not  the 
body  of  Jesus  but  the  perfection  of  divine  virtues  manifest  in  him. 
Therefore  it  is  written  "He  is  God."  This  does  not  imply  separa- 
tion from  God ;  even  as  it  is  not  possible  to  separate  the  rays  of  the 
sun  from  the  sun.  The  reality  of  Christ  was  the  embodiment  of 
divine  virtues  and  attributes  of  God.  For  in  divinity  there  is  no 
duality.     All   adjectives,   nouns   and   pronouns   in   that   court   of 


150     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

sanctity  are  one;  there  is  neither  multiplicity  nor  division.  The 
intention  of  this  explanation  is  to  show  that  the  words  of  God  have 
innumerable  significances  and  mysteries  of  meanings;  each  one  a 
thousand  and  more. 

The  tablets  of  Baiia  'Ullah  are  many.  The  precepts  and  teach- 
ings they  contain  are  universal,  covering  every  subject.  He  has 
revealed  scientific  explanations  ranging  throughout  all  the  realms 
of  human  inquiry  and  investigation;  astronomy,  biology,  medical 
science,  etc.,  etc.  In  Kitab-el-lghan  he  has  given  expositions  of 
the  meanings  of  the  gospel  and  other  heavenly  books.  He  wrote 
lengthy  tablets  upon  civilization,  sociology  and  government.  Every 
subject  is  considered.  His  tablets  are  matchless  in  beauty  and 
profundity.  Even  his  enemies  acknowledge  the  greatness  of  Baha 
'Ullah,  saying  he  was  the  miracle  of  humanity.  This  was  their 
confession  although  they  did  not  believe  in  him.  He  was  eulogized 
by  Christians,  Jews,  Zoroastrians  and  Mohammedans  who  denied 
his  claim.  They  frequently  said  "He  is  matchless,  unique."  A 
Christian  poet  in  the  Orient  wrote  "Do  not  believe  him  a  mani- 
festation of  God,  yet  his  miracles  are  as  great  as  the  sun."  Mirza 
Abul  Fazl  has  mentioned  many  poems  of  this  kind  and  there  are 
numerous  others.  The  testimony  of  his  enemies  witnessed  that  he 
was  the  ' '  miracle  of  mankind, ' '  that  he  ' '  walked  in  a  special  path- 
way of  knowledge"  and  was  "peerless  in  personality."  His  teach- 
ings are  universal  and  the  standard  for  human  action.  They  are 
not  merely  theoretical  and  intended  to  remain  in  books.  They  are 
the  principles  of  action.  Results  follow  action.  Mere  theory  is 
fruitless.  Of  what  use  is  a  book  upon  medicine  if  it  is  never  taken 
from  the  library  shelf?  When  practical  activity  has  been  mani- 
fested, the  teachings  of  God  have  borne  fruit. 

The  great  and  fundamental  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah  are  the 
oneness  of  God  and  unity  of  mankind.  This  is  the  bond  of  union 
among  Bahais  all  over  the  world.  They  become  united  among  them- 
selves, then  unite  others.  It  is  impossible  to  unite  unless  united. 
Christ  said  "Ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth;  if  the  salt  has  lost  its 
savour,  wherewith  shall  it  be  salted?"  This  proves  there  were  dis- 
sensions and  lack  of  unity  among  his  followers.  Hence  his  admoni- 
tion to  unity  of  action. 

Now  must  we  likewise  bind  ourselves  together  in  the  utmost 
unity,  be  kind  and  loving  to  each  other,  sacrificing  all  our  posses- 
sions, our  honor,  yea  even  our  lives  for  each  other.  Then  will  it 
be  proved  that  we  have  acted  according  to  the  teachings  of  God; 
that  we  have  been  real  believers  in  the  oneness  of  God  and  unity 
of  mankind. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  151 

IV 

May  30,  1912,  at  Broadway  and  79th  Street,  New  York. 

Theosopliical  Lodge. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

I  AM  greatly  pleased  with  these  expressions  of  kindly  feeling  and 
evidences  of  spiritual  susceptibility.  Tonight  I  am  very  happy 
in  the  realization  that  our  aims  and  purposes  are  the  same,  our 
desires  and  longings  are  one.  This  is  a  reflection  and  evidence  of 
the  oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity  and  the  intention  toward 
accomplishment  of  the  "Most  Great  Peace."  Therefore  we  are 
united  in  will  and  purpose.  In  the  world  of  existence  there  are  no 
greater  questions  than  these.  Oneness  of  the  world  of  humanity 
insures  the  glorification  of  man.  International  peace  is  the  assur- 
ance of  the  welfare  of  all  human  kind.  There  are  no  greater 
motives  and  purposes  in  the  human  soul.  As  we  are  agreed  upon 
them,  the  certainty  of  unity  and  concord  between  Bahais  and 
Theosophists  is  most  hopeful.  Their  purposes  are  one,  their  desires 
one,  and  spiritual  susceptibilities  are  common  to  both.  Their 
attention  is  devoted  to  the  divine  kingdom ;  they  partake  alike  of 
its  bounty. 

Today  the  human  world  is  in  need  of  a  great  power  by  which 
these  glorious  principles  and  purposes  may  be  executed.  The  cause 
of  peace  is  a  very  great  cause;  it  is  the  cause  of  God,  and  all  the 
forces  of  the  world  are  opposed  to  it.  Governments  for  instance, 
consider  militarism  as  the  step  to  human  progress,  that  division 
among  men  and  nations  is  the  cause  of  patriotism  and  honor,  that 
if  one  nation  attack  and  conquer  another,  gaining  wealth,  territory 
and  glory  thereby,  this  warfare  and  conquest,  this  bloodshed  and 
cruelty  are  the  cause  of  that  victorious  nation's  advancement  and 
prosperity.  This  is  an  utter  mistake.  Compare  the  nations  of  the 
world  to  the  members  of  a  family.  A  family  is  a  nation  in  min- 
iature. Simply  enlarge  the  circle  of  the  household  and  you  have 
the  nation.  Enlarge  the  circle  of  nations  and  you  have  all  hu- 
manity. The  conditions  surrounding  the  family  surround  the 
nation.  The  happenings  in  the  family  are  the  happenings  in  the 
life  of  the  nation.  "Would  it  add  to  the  progress  and  advancement 
of  a  family  if  dissensions  should  arise  among  its  members,  fighting, 
pillaging  each  other,  jealous  and  revengeful  of  injury,  seeking 
selfish  advantage  ?  Nay,  this  would  be  the  cause  of  the  effacement 
of  progress  and  advancement.  So  it  is  in  the  great  family  of 
nations,  for  nations  are  but  an  aggregate  of  families.     Therefore 


152     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

as  strife  and  dissension  destroy  a  family  and  prevent  its  progress, 
so  nations  are  destroyed  and  advancement  hindered. 

All  the  heavenly  books,  divine  prophets,  sages  and  philosophers 
agree  that  warfare  is  destructive  to  human  development,  and  peace 
constructive.  They  agree  that  war  and  strife  strike  at  the  founda- 
tions of  humanity.  Therefore  a  power  is  needed  to  prevent  war 
and  to  proclaim  and  establish  the  oneness  of  humanity. 

But  knowledge  of  the  need  of  this  power  is  not  sufficient.  Realiz- 
ing that  wealth  is  desirable  is  not  becoming  wealthy.  The  admission 
that  scientific  attainment  is  praiseworthy  does  not  confer  scientific 
knowledge.  Acknowledgment  of  the  excellence  of  honor  does  not 
make  a  man  honorable.  Knowledge  of  human  conditions  and  the 
needed  remedy  for  them  is  not  the  cause  of  their  betterment.  To 
admit  that  health  is  good  does  not  constitute  health.  A  skilled 
physician  is  needed  to  remedy  existing  human  conditions.  As  a 
physician  is  required  to  have  complete  knowledge  of  pathology, 
diagnosis,  therapeutics  and  treatment,  so  this  world  physician 
must  be  wise,  skillful  and  capable  before  health  will  result.  His 
mere  knowledge  is  not  health ;  it  must  be  applied  and  the  remedy 
carried  out. 

The  attainment  of  any  object  is  conditioned  upon  knowledge, 
volition  and  action.  Unless  these  three  conditions  are  forthcoming 
there  is  no  execution  or  accomplishment.  In  the  erection  of  a  house 
it  is  first  necessary  to  know  the  ground  and  design  the  house  suit- 
able for  it ;  second,  to  obtain  the  means  or  funds  necessary  for  the 
construction;  third,  to  actually  build  it.  Therefore  a  power  is 
needed  to  carry  out  and  execute  what  is  known  and  admitted  to  be 
the  remedy  for  human  conditions ;  namely,  the  unification  of  man- 
kind. Furthermore,  it  is  evident  that  this  cannot  be  realized 
through  material  process  and  means.  The  accomplishment  of  this 
unification  cannot  be  through  racial  power,  for  races  are  different 
and  diverse  in  tendencies.  It  cannot  be  through  patriotic  power, 
for  nationalities  are  unlike.  Nor  can  it  be  effected  through  political 
power  since  the  policies  of  governments  and  nations  are  various. 
That  is  to  say,  any  effort  toward  unification  through  these  material 
means  would  benefit  one  and  injure  another  because  of  unequal 
and  individual  interests.  Some  may  believe  this  great  remedy  can 
be  found  in  dogmatic  insistence  upon  imitations  and  interpretations. 
This  would  likewise  be  without  foundation  and  result.  Therefore 
it  is  evident  that  no  means  but  an  ideal  means,  a  spiritual  power, 
divine  bestowals  and  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  will  heal  this 
world  sickness  of  war,  dissension  and  discord.     Nothing  else  is 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  153 

possible ;  nothing  can  be  conceived  of.    But  through  spiritual  means 
and  the  divine  power  it  is  possible  and  practicable. 

Consider  history.  What  has  brought  unity  to  nations,  morality 
to  peoples  and  benefits  to  mankind  ?  If  we  reflect  upon  it  we  will 
find  that  establishing  the  divine  religions  has  been  the  greatest 
means  toward  accomplishing  the  oneness  of  humanity.  The  foun- 
dation of  divine  reality  in  religion  has  done  this ;  not  imitations  of 
ancestral  religious  forms.  Imitations  are  opposed  to  each  other 
and  have  ever  been  the  cause  of  strife,  enmity,  jealousy  and  war. 
The  divine  religions  are  collective  centers  in  which  diverse  stand- 
points may  meet,  agree  and  unify.  They  accomplish  oneness  of 
nativities,  races  and  policies.  For  instance,  His  Holiness  Christ 
united  various  nations,  brought  peace  to  warring  peoples  and  estab- 
lished the  oneness  of  human  kind.  The  conquering  Greeks  and 
Romans,  the  prejudiced  Egyptians  and  Assyrians  were  all  in  a 
condition  of  strife,  enmity  and  war  but  His  Holiness  gathered 
these  varied  peoples  together  and  removed  the  foundations  of  dis- 
cord; not  through  racial,  patriotic  or  political  power  but  through 
divine  power,  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  was  not  other- 
wise possible.  All  other  efiforts  of  men  and  nations  remain  as  mere 
mention  in  history,  without  accomplishment. 

As  this  great  result  is  contingent  upon  divine  power  and  bestow- 
als, where  shall  the  world  obtain  that  power?  God  is  eternal  and 
ancient ;  not  a  new  God.  His  sovereignty  is  of  old,  not  recent ;  not 
merely  existent  these  five  or  six  thousand  years.  This  infinite  uni- 
verse is  from  everlasting.  The  sovereignty,  power,  names  and 
attributes  of  God  are  eternal,  ancient.  His  names  presuppose  crea- 
tion and  predicate  his  existence  and  will.  We  say  God  is  creator. 
This  name  creator  appears  when  we  connote  creation.  We  say  God 
is  the  provider.  This  name  presupposes  and  proves  the  existence 
of  the  provided.  God  is  love.  This  name  proves  the  existence  of 
the  beloved.  In  the  same  way  God  is  mercy,  God  is  justice,  God  is 
life,  etc.,  etc.  Therefore  as  God  is  creator,  eternal  and  ancient, 
there  were  always  creatures  and  subjects  existing  and  provided  for. 
There  is  no  doubt  that  divine  sovereignty  is  eternal.  Sovereignty 
necessitates  subjects,  ministers,  trustees  and  others  subordinate  to 
sovereignty.  Could  there  be  a  king  without  country,  subjects  and 
armies  ?  If  we  conceive  of  a  time  when  there  were  no  creatures,  no 
servants,  no  subjects  of  divine  lordship  we  dethrone  God  and  predi- 
cate a  time  when  God  was  not.  It  would  be  as  if  he  had  been 
recently  appointed  and  man  had  given  these  names  to  him.  The 
divine  sovereignty  is  ancient,  eternal.  God  from  everlasting  was 
love,  justice,  power,  creator,  provider,  the  omniscient,  the  bountiful. 


154     THE  PROMULGATION   OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

As  the  divine  entity  is  eternal,  the  divine  attributes  are  co- 
existent, co-eternal.  The  divine  bestowals  are  therefore  without 
beginning,  without  end.  God  is  infinite ;  the  works  of  God  are  in- 
finite ;  the  bestowals  of  God  are  infinite.  As  his  divinity  is  eternal, 
his  lordship  and  perfections  are  without  end.  As  the  bounty  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  is  eternal,  we  can  never  say  that  his  bestowals 
terminate,  else  he  terminates.  If  we  think  of  the  sun  and  then  try 
to  conceive  of  the  cessation  of  the  solar  flame  and  heat,  we  have 
predicated  the  non-existence  of  the  sun.  For  separation  of  the  sun 
from  its  rays  and  heat  is  inconceivable.  Therefore  if  we  limit  the 
bestowals  of  God  we  limit  the  attributes  of  God  and  limit  God. 

Let  us  then  trust  in  the  bounty  and  bestowal  of  God.  Let  us  be 
exhilarated  with  the  divine  breath,  illumined  and  exalted  by  the 
heavenly  glad-tidings.  God  has  ever  dealt  with  man  in  mercy  and 
kindness.  He  who  conferred  the  divine  spirit  in  former  times  is 
abundantly  able  and  capable  at  all  times  and  periods  to  grant  the 
same  bestowals.  Therefore  let  us  be  hopeful.  The  God  who  gave 
to  the  world  formerly  will  do  so  now  and  in  the  future.  God  who 
breathed  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  his  servants  will 
breathe  it  upon  them  now  and  hereafter.  There  is  no  cessation  to 
his  bounty.  The  divine  spirit  is  penetrating  from  eternity  to 
eternity  for  it  is  the  bounty  of  God  and  the  bounty  of  God  is 
eternal.  Can  you  conceive  of  limitation  of  the  divine  power  in 
atomic  verities  or  cessation  of  the  divine  bounty  in  existing  organ- 
isms? Could  you  conceive  the  power  now  manifest  in  this  glass  in 
cohesion  of  its  atoms,  becoming  non-existent  ?  The  energy  by  which 
the  water  of  the  sea  is  constituted,  failing  to  exert  itself  and  the  sea 
disappearing  1  A  shower  of  rain  today  and  no  more  showers  after- 
ward ?  The  effulgence  of  the  sun  terminated  and  no  more  light  or 
heat? 

When  we  observe  that  in  the  kingdom  of  minerals  the  divine 
bounties  are  continuous,  how  much  more  shall  we  expect  and  realize 
in  the  divine  spiritual  kingdom !  How  much  greater  the  radiation 
of  the  lights  of  God  and  the  bounty  of  life  everlasting  upon  the  soul 
of  man!  As  the  body  of  the  universe  is  continuous,  indestructible, 
the  bounties  and  bestowals  of  the  divine  spirit  are  everlasting. 

I  praise  God  that  I  am  privileged  to  be  present  in  this  revered 
assembly  which  is  quickened  with  spiritual  susceptibilities  and 
heavenly  attraction;  its  members  investigating  the  reality;  their 
utmost  hope  the  establishment  of  international  peace  and  their 
greatest  purpose  service  to  the  world  of  humanity. 

When  we  observe  the  world  of  created  phenomena  we  discover 
that  each  atom  of  the  atoms  of  substance  is  moving  through  the 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IX  FANWOUD  155 

various  degrees  and  kingdoms  of  organic  life.  For  instance,  con- 
sider the  ethereal  element  which  is  penetrating  and  traveling 
through  all  the  contingent  realities.  When  there  is  vibration  or 
movement  in  the  ethereal  element,  the  eye  is  affected  by  that  vibra- 
tion and  beholds  what  is  known  as  light. 

In  the  same  manner  the  bestowals  of  God  are  moving  and  cir- 
culating throughout  all  created  things.  This  illimitable  divine 
bounty  has  no  beginning  and  will  have  no  ending.  It  is  moving, 
circulating  and  becomes  effective  wherever  capacity  is  developed 
to  receive  it.  In  every  station  there  is  a  specialized  capacity. 
Therefore  we  must  be  hopeful  that  through  the  bounty  and  favor 
of  God,  this  spirit  of  life  infusing  all  created  beings  shall  quicken 
humanity  and  from  its  bestowals  the  human  world  become  a  divine 
world,  this  earthly  kingdom  the  mirror  of  the  realm  of  divinity, 
the  virtues  and  perfections  of  the  world  of  humanity  become  un- 
veiled and  the  image  and  likeness  of  God  be  reflected  from  this 
temple. 

I  am  most  grateful  to  the  President  of  this  Society  and  express 
my  most  respectful  greetings  to  him.  It  is  my  hope  that  all  of  you 
may  be  assisted  in  attaining  the  good-pleasure  of  God.  The  spiritual 
susceptibility  of  those  present  has  made  me  very  happy  and  I  beg 
of  God  assistance  and  confirmation  for  all. 


May  31,  1912,  at  Town  Hall,  Fanwood,  N.  J. 

From   Persian  Notes 

THE  material  world  is  subject  to  change  and  transformation. 
The  cause  of  the  kingdom  is  eternal ;  therefore  it  is  the  most 
important.  But  alas!  day  by  day  the  power  of  the  kingdom  in 
human  hearts  is  weakened  and  material  forces  gain  the  ascendency. 
The  divine  signs  are  becoming  less  and  less  and  human  evidences 
grow  stronger.  They  have  reached  such  a  degree  that  materialists 
are  advancing  and  aggressive  while  divine  forces  are  waning  and 
vanishing.  Irreligion  has  conquered  religion.  The  cause  of  the 
chaotic  condition  lies  in  the  differences  among  the  religions,  and 
tinds  its  origin  in  the  animosity  and  hatred  existing  between  sects 
and  denominations.  The  materialists  have  availed  themselves  of 
this  dissension  amongst  the  religions  and  are  constantly  attacking 
them,  intending  to  uproot  the  tree  of  divine  planting.  Owing  to 
strife  and  contention  among  themselves  the  religions  are  being 
weakened  and  vanquished.     If  a  commander  is  at  variance  with 


156     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

his  army  in  the  execution  of  military  tactics  there  is  no  doubt  he 
will  be  defeated  by  the  enemy.  Today  the  religions  are  at  variance ; 
enmity,  strife  and  recrimination  prevail  among  them;  they  refuse 
to  associate,  nay,  rather,  if  necessary  they  shed  each  other's  blood. 
Read  history  and  record  to  see  what  dreadful  events  have  hap- 
pened in  the  name  of  religion.  For  instance,  the  Hebrew  prophets 
were  sent  to  announce  Christ,  but  unfortunately  the  talmud  and  its 
superstitions  veiled  His  Holiness  so  completely  that  they  crucified 
their  promised  Messiah.  Had  they  renounced  the  talmudic  tradi- 
tions and  investigated  the  reality  of  the  religion  of  Moses,  they 
would  have  become  believers  in  Christ.  Blind  adherence  to  forms 
and  imitation  of  ancestral  beliefs  deprived  them  of  their  messianic 
bounty.  They  were  not  refreshed  by  the  downpouring  rain  of 
mercy  nor  were  they  illumined  by  the  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Truth. 

Imitation  destroys  the  foundation  of  religion,  extinguishes  the 
spirituality  of  the  human  world,  transforms  heavenly  illumination 
into  darkness  and  deprives  man  of  the  knowledge  of  God.  It  is 
the  cause  of  the  victory  of  materialism  and  infidelity  over  religion ; 
it  is  the  denial  of  divinity  and  the  law  of  revelation;  it  refuses 
prophethood  and  rejects  the  kingdom  of  God.  When  materialists 
subject  imitations  to  the  intellectual  analysis  of  reason  they  find 
them  to  be  mere  superstitions ;  therefore  they  deny  religion.  For 
instance,  the  Jews  have  ideas  as  to  the  purity  and  impurity  of 
religion  but  when  you  subject  these  ideas  to  scientific  scrutiny 
they  are  found  to  be  without  foundation. 

Is  it  impossible  for  us  to  receive  the  infinite  bounties  of  God? 
Is  it  impossible  to  attain  the  virtues  of  the  spiritual  world  because 
we  are  not  living  in  the  time  of  His  Holiness  Moses,  the  period  of 
the  prophets  or  the  era  of  His  Holiness  Christ  ?  Those  were  spiritual 
cycles.  Can  we  not  develop  spiritually  because  we  are  far  from 
them  and  are  living  in  a  materialistic  age?  The  God  of  Moses 
and  Jesus  is  able  to  bestow  the  same  favors,  nay  greater  favors 
upon  his  people  in  this  day.  For  example,  in  past  ages  he  bestowed 
reason,  intelligence  and  understanding  upon  his  servants.  Can  we 
say  he  is  not  able  to  confer  his  bounties  in  this  century  ?  Would  it 
be  just  if  he  sent  His  Holiness  Moses  for  the  guidance  of  past 
nations  and  entirely  neglected  those  living  now?  Could  it  be 
possible  that  this  present  period  has  been  deprived  of  divine  boun- 
ties while  past  ages  of  tyranny  and  barbarism  received  an  inex- 
haustible portion  of  them  ?  The  same  merciful  God  who  bestowed 
his  favors  in  the  past  has  opened  the  doors  of  his  kingdom  to  us. 
The  rays  of  his  sun  are  shining,  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
quickening.     That  omniscient  God  still  assists  and  confirms  us, 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  157 

illumines  our  hearts,  gladdens  our  souls  and  perfumes  our  nostrils 
with  the  fragrances  of  holiness.  Divine  wisdom  and  providence 
have  encircled  all  and  spread  the  heavenly  table  before  us.  We 
must  take  a  bountiful  share  of  this  generous  favor. 

The  work  of  the  shepherd  is  to  bring  together  the  scattered 
sheep.  If  he  disperses  the  united  flock  he  is  not  the  shepherd. 
As  the  prophets  fulfilled  their  mission  in  this  respect,  they  are 
the  true  shepherds.  When  His  Holiness  Moses  appeared  the  Is- 
raelitish  people  were  disorganized.  Enmity  and  discord  increased 
their  disunion.  With  divine  power  he  assembled  and  united  this 
scattered  flock,  placed  within  their  hearts  the  pearl  of  love,  freed 
them  from  captivity  and  led  them  out  of  Egypt  into  the  Holy  Land. 
They  made  wonderful  progress  in  sciences  and  arts.  Bonds  of 
social  and  national  strength  cemented  them.  Their  progress  in 
human  virtues  was  so  rapid  and  wonderful  that  they  rose  to  the 
zenith  of  the  Solomonic  sovereignty.  Could  it  be  said  that  Moses 
was  not  a  real  shepherd  and  that  he  did  not  gather  these  scattered 
people  together? 

His  Holiness  Christ  was  a  real  shepherd.  At  the  time  of  his 
manifestation,  the  Greeks,  Romans,  Assyrians  and  Egyptians  were 
like  so  many  scattered  flocks.  Christ  breathed  upon  them  the  spirit 
of  unity  and  harmonized  them. 

Therefore  it  is  evident  that  the  prophets  of  God  have  come  to 
unite  the  children  of  men  and  not  to  disperse  them;  to  establish 
the  law  of  love  and  not  enmity.  Consequently  we  must  lay  aside 
all  prejudice  whether  it  be  religious,  racial,  political  or  patriotic ; 
we  must  become  the  cause  of  the  unification  of  the  human  race. 
Strive  for  Universal  Peace,  seek  the  means  of  love  and  destroy  the 
basis  of  disagreement  so  that  this  material  world  may  become 
divine,  the  world  of  matter  the  realm  of  the  kingdom  and  humanity 
attain  to  the  world  of  perfection. 

VI 

June  2, 1912,  at  Church  of  the  Ascension,  Fifth  Ave.  and  Tenth  St., 

New  York. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

IN  the  terminology  of  the  holy  books,  the  church  has  been  called 
the  "house  of  the  covenant"  for  the  reason  that  the  church 
is  a  place  where  people  of  difl'erent  thoughts  and  divergent  tenden- 
cies,— where  all  races  and  nations  may  come  together  in  a  coven- 


158     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

ant  of  permanent  fellowship.  In  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  in  the 
house  of  God,  man  must  be  submissive  to  God.  He  must  enter  into 
a  covenant  with  his  Lord  in  order  that  he  shall  obey  the  divine 
commands  and  become  unified  with  his  fellow-man.  He  must  not 
consider  divergence  of  races  nor  difference  of  nationalities;  he 
must  not  view  variation  in  denomination  and  creed  nor  should  he 
take  into  account  the  ditfering  degrees  of  thoughts;  nay,  rather, 
he  should  look  upon  all  as  mankind  and  realize  that  all  must  be- 
come united  and  agreed.  He  must  recognize  all  as  one  family,  one 
race,  one  nativity;  see  all  as  the  servants  of  one  God,  dwelling 
beneath  the  shelter  of  his  mercy.  The  purport  of  this  is  that  the 
church  is  a  collective  center.  Temples  are  symbols  of  the  reality 
and  divinity  of  God;  the  collective  center  of  mankind.  Consider 
how  within  a  temple  every  race  and  people  is  seen  and  represented ; 
all  in  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  covenanting  together  in  a  coven- 
ant of  love  and  fellowship;  all  offering  the  same  melody,  prayer 
and  supplication  to  God.  Therefore  it  is  evident  that  the  church 
is  a  collective  center  for  mankind.  For  this  reason  there  have 
been  churches  and  temples  in  all  the  divine  religions ;  but  the  real 
collective  centers  are  the  manifestations  of  God,  of  whom  the  church 
or  temple  is  a  symbol  and  expression.  That  is  to  say,  the  mani- 
festation of  God  is  the  real  divine  temple  and  collective  center  of 
which  the  outer  church  is  but  a  symbol. 

Recall  the  statement  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  in  the  gospel. 
Addressing  Peter,  he  said  "Thou  art  Peter  and  upon  this  rock 
will  I  build  my  church."  It  is  evident  therefore  that  the  church 
of  God  is  the  law  of  God  and  that  the  actual  edifice  is  but  one 
symbol  thereof.  For  the  law  of  God  is  a  collective  center  which 
unites  various  peoples,  nativities,  tongues  and  opinions.  All  find 
shelter  in  its  protection  and  become  attracted  by  it.  For  example, 
His  Holiness  Moses  and  the  Mosaic  law  were  the  unifying  center 
for  the  scattered  sheep  of  Israel.  He  united  these  wandering 
flocks,  brought  them  under  control  of  divine  law,  educated  and  uni- 
fied them,  caused  them  to  agree  and  uplifted  them  to  a  superlative 
degree  of  development.  At  a  time  when  they  were  debased  they 
became  glorified ;  ignorant  they  were  made  knowing ;  in  the  bonds 
of  captivity  they  were  given  freedom;  in  short  they  were  unified. 
Day  by  day  they  advanced  until  they  attained  the  highest  degree 
of  progress  witnessed  in  that  age.  We  prove  therefore  that  the 
manifestation  of  God  and  the  law  of  God  accomplish  unity. 

It  is  self-evident  that  humanity  is  at  variance.  Human  tastes 
differ ;  thoughts,  nativities,  races  and  tongues  are  many.  The  need 
of  a  collective  center  by  which  these  differences  may  be  counter- 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  159 

balanced  and  the  people  of  the  world  be  unified  is  obvious.  Con- 
sider how  nothing  but  a  spiritual  power  can  bring  about  this  uni- 
fication; for  material  conditions  and  mental  aspects  are  so  widely 
diilt'erent  that  agreement  and  unity  are  not  possible  through  outer 
means.  It  is  possible  however  for  all  to  become  unified  through 
one  spirit,  just  as  all  may  receive  light  from  one  sun.  Therefore 
assisted  by  the  collective  and  divine  center  which  is  the  law  of  God 
and  the  reality  of  his  manifestation,  we  can  overcome  these  con- 
ditions until  they  pass  away  entirely  and  the  races  advance. 

Consider  the  time  of  His  Holiness  Christ.  Peoples,  races  and 
governments  were  many,  religions,  sects  and  denominations  were 
various  but  when  His  Holiness  appeared,  the  messianic  reality 
proved  to  be  the  collective  center  which  unified  them  beneath  the 
same  tabernacle  of  agreement.  Reflect  upon  this.  Could  His 
Holiness  Jesus  Christ  have  united  these  divergent  factors  or  brought 
about  such  results  through  political  power?  "Was  this  unity  and 
agreement  possible  through  material  forces?  It  is  evident  that  it 
was  not ;  nay,  rather,  these  various  peoples  were  brought  together 
through  a  divine  power,  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
They  were  blended  and  quickened  by  the  infusion  of  a  new  life. 
The  spirituality  of  Christ  overcame  their  difficulties  so  that  their 
disagreements  passed  away  completely.  In  this  way  these  divergent 
peoples  were  unified  and  became  welded  in  a  bond  of  love  which 
alone  can  unite  hearts.  Therefore  it  is  shown  that  the  divine  mani- 
festations, the  holy  mouth-pieces  of  God  are  the  collective  centers 
of  God.  These  heavenly  messengers  are  the  real  shepherds  of 
humanity,  for  whenever  they  appear  in  the  world  they  unite  the 
scattered  sheep.  The  collective  center  has  always  appeared  in  the 
Orient.  His  Holiness  Abraham,  His  Holiness  Moses,  His  Holiness 
Jesus  Christ,  His  Holiness  Mohammed  were  collective  centers  of 
their  day  and  time,  and  all  arose  in  the  east.  Today  His  Holiness 
Baha  'Ullah  is  the  collective  center  of  unity  for  all  mankind  and 
the  splendor  of  his  light  has  likewise  dawned  from  the  east.  He 
founded  the  oneness  of  humanity  in  Persia.  He  established  har- 
mony and  agreement  among  the  various  peoples  of  religious  beliefs, 
denominations,  sects  and  cults  by  freeing  them  from  the  fetters  of 
past  imitations  and  superstitions;  leading  them  to  the  very  foun- 
dation of  the  divine  religions.  From  this  foundation  shines  forth 
the  radiance  of  spirituality  which  is  unity,  the  love  of  God,  the 
knowledge  of  God,  praiseworthy  morals  and  the  virtues  of  the 
human  world.  Baiia  'Ullaii  renewed  these  principles,  just  as  the 
coming  of  spring  refreshes  the  earth  and  confers  new  life  upon 
all  phenomenal  beings.     For  the  freshness  of  the  former  spring- 


160     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

times  had  waned,  the  vivifieation  had  ceased,  the  life-giving  breezes 
were  no  longer  wafting  their  fragrances,  winter  and  the  season  of 
darkness  had  come.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  came  to  renew 
the  life  of  the  world  with  this  new  and  divine  springtime  which  has 
pitched  its  tent  in  the  countries  of  the  Orient  in  the  utmost  power 
and  glory.  It  has  refreshed  the  world  of  the  Orient  and  there  is 
no  doubt  that  if  the  world  of  the  Occident  should  abandon  dogmas 
of  the  past,  turn  away  from  empty  imitations  and  superstitions, 
investigate  the  reality  of  the  divine  religions,  holding  fast  to  the 
example  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ,  acting  in  accordance  with 
the  teachings  of  God  and  becoming  unified  with  the  Orient,  an 
eternal  happiness  and  felicity  would  be  attained. 

In  the   western   world  material   civilization  has  attained  the 
highest  point  of  development    but  divine  civilization  was  founded 
in'the  land  of  the  east.    The  east  must  acquire  material  civilization 
from  the  west  and  the  west  must  receive  spiritual  civilization  from 
the  east.    This  will  establish  a  mutual  bond.    When  these  two  come 
together,  the  world  of  humanity  will  present  a  glorious  aspect  and 
extraordinary  progress  will  be  achieved.    This  is  clear  and  evident ; 
no  proof  is  needed.     The  degree  of  material  civilization  in  the  Oc- 
cident cannot  be  denied;  nor  can   any  one  fail   to  confirm  the 
spiritual  civilization  of  the  Orient,  for  all  the  divine  foundations 
of  human  uplift  have  appeared  in  the  east.     This  likewise  is  clear 
and  evident.     Therefore  you  must  assist  the  east  in  order  that  it 
may  attain  material  progress.     The  east  must  likewise  promulgate 
the  principles  of  spiritual  civilization  in  the  western  world.     By 
this  commingling  and  union,  the  human  race  will  attain  the  highest 
degree  of  prosperity  and  development.     Material  civilization  alone 
is  not  sufficient  and  will  not  prove  productive.     The  physical  hap- 
piness of  material  conditions  was  allotted  to  the  animal.     Consider 
how  the  animal  has  attained  the  fullest  degree  of  physical  felicity. 
A  bird  perches  upon  the  loftiest  branch  and  builds  there  its  nest 
with  consummate  beauty  and  skill.     All  the  grains  and  seeds  of 
the  meadows  are  its  wealth  and  food ;  all  the  fresh  water  of  moun- 
tain springs  and  rivers  of  the  plain  are  for  its  enjoyment.     Truly 
this  is  the  acme  of  material  happiness  to  which  even  a  human 
creature  cannot  attain.     This  is  the  honor  of  the  animal  kingdom. 
But  the  honor  of  the  human  kingdom  is  the  attainment  of  spiritual 
happiness  in  the  human  world,  the  acquisition  of  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  God.     The  honor  allotted  to  man  is  the  acquisition  of  the 
supreme  virtues  of  the  human  world.     This  is  his  real  happiness 
and  felicity.     But  if  material  happiness  and  spiritual  felicity  be 
conjoined,  it  will  be  ''delight  upon  delight,"  as  the  Arabs  say. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  161 

We  pray  that  God  will  unite  the  east  and  the  west  in  order  that 
these  two  civilizations  may  be  exchanged  and  mutually  enjoyed.  I 
am  sure  it  will  come  to  pass  for  this  is  the  radiant  century.  This 
is  an  age  for  the  outpouring  of  divine  mercy  upon  the  exigency  of 
this  new  century, — the  unity  of  the  east  and  the  west.  It  will  surely 
be  accomplished. 

Question:    What  is  the  status  of  woman  in  the  Orient? 

Anstver :  The  status  of  woman  in  former  times  was  exceedingly 
deplorable  for  it  was  the  belief  of  the  Orient  that  it  was  best  for 
woman  to  be  ignorant.  It  was  considered  preferable  that  she  should 
not  know  reading  or  writing,  in  order  that  she  might  not  be  in- 
formed of  events  in  the  world.  Woman  was  considered  to  be 
created  for  rearing  children  and  attending  to  the  duties  of  the 
household.  If  she  pursued  educational  courses  it  was  deemed  con- 
trary to  chastity ;  hence  women  w'ere  made  prisoners  of  the  house- 
hold. The  houses  did  not  even  have  windows  opening  upon  the 
outside  world.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  destroyed  these  ideas 
and  proclaimed  the  equality  of  man  and  woman.  He  made  woman 
respected  by  commanding  that  all  women  be  educated;  that  there 
be  no  difference  in  the  education  of  the  two  sexes  and  that  man  and 
woman  share  the  same  rights.  In  the  estimation  of  God  there  is  no 
distinction  of  sex.  One  whose  thought  is  pure,  whose  education  is 
superior,  whose  scientific  attainments  are  greater,  whose  deeds  of 
philanthropy  excel,  be  that  one  man  or  woman,  white  or  colored, 
is  entitled  to  full  rights  and  recognition ;  there  is  no  differentiation 
uhatsoever.  Therefore  the  status  of  women  in  the  east  has  under- 
gone change.  At  present  they  attend  schools  and  colleges,  pursue 
the  ordinary  curriculum  and  day  by  day  are  becoming  indispen- 
sable to  men  and  equal  to  them.  This  is  the  present  condition  of 
womankind  in  Persia. 

Question:  What  relation  do  you  sustain  to  the  founder  of  your 
belief?  Are  you  his  successor  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Pope  of 
Rome? 

Ansiver:  I  am  the  servant  of  Baha  'Ullah  the  founder  and 
in  this  I  glor)^  No  honor  do  I  consider  greater  than  this  and  it  is 
my  hope  that  I  may  be  confirmed  in  servitude  to  Baha  'Ullah. 
This  is  my  station. 

Question :  Is  it  not  a  fact  that  Universal  Peace  cannot  be  accom- 
plished until  there  is  political  democracy  in  all  the  countries  of  the 
world  ? 

Ansiver:  It  is  very  evident  that  in  the  future  there  shall  be 
no  centralization  in  the  countries  of  the  world,  be  they  constitu- 


162     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

tional  in  government,  republican  or  democratic  in  form.  The 
United  States  may  be  held  up  as  the  example  of  future  government, 
that  is  to  say,  eaich  province  will  be  independent  in  itself  but  there 
will  be  federal  union  protecting  the  interests  of  the  various  inde- 
pendent states.  It  may  not  be  a  republican  or  a  democratic  form. 
To  cast  aside  centralization  which  promotes  despotism  is  the  exi- 
gency of  the  time.  This  will  be  productive  of  international  peace. 
Another  fact  of  equal  importance  in  bringing  about  international 
peace  is  woman's  suffrage.  That  is  to  say,  when  perfect  equality 
shall  be  established  between  men  and  women,  peace  may  be  realized 
for  the  simple  reason  that  womankind  in  general  will  never  favor 
warfare.  Women  will  not  be  willing  to  allow  those  whom  they  have 
so  tenderly  cared  for  to  go  to  the  battlefield.  When  they  shall  have 
a  vote  they  will  oppose  any  cause  of  warfare.  Another  factor 
which  will  bring  about-  Universal  Peace  is  the  linking  together  of 
the  Orient  and  the  Occident. 

Question:    What  is  your  belief  about  reincarnation? 

Ansiver:  The  subject  of  reincarnation  has  two  aspects.  One  is 
that  which  the  Hindastanese  people  believe,  and  even  that  is  sub- 
divided into  two ; — reincarnation  and  metempsychosis.  According 
to  one  belief  the  soul  goes  and  then  returns  in  certain  reincarna- 
tions ;  therefore  they  say  that  a  sick  person  is  sick  because  of  actions 
in  a  previous  incarnation  and  that  this  is  retribution.  The  other 
school  of  Hindooism  believes  that  man  sometimes  appears  as  an 
animal,  a  donkey  for  instance,  and  that  this  is  retribution  for  past 
acts.  I  am  referring  to  the  beliefs  in  that  country,  the  beliefs  of 
the  schools.  There  is  a  reincarnation  of  the  prophetic  mission. 
Jesus  Christ  speaking  of  John  the  Baptist,  declared  he  was  Elias. 
When  John  the  Baptist  was  questioned,  he  said  '  *  I  am  not  Elias. ' ' 
These  two  statements  are  apparently  contradictory  but  in  reality 
they  do  not  contradict.  The  light  is  one  light.  The  light  which 
illumined  this  lamp  last  night  is  illuminating  it  tonight.  This  does 
not  mean  that  the  identical  rays  of  light  have  reappeared  but  the 
virtues  of  illumination.  The  light  which  revealed  itself  through 
the  glass  reveals  itself  again  so  that  we  can  say  the  light  of  this 
evening  is  the  light  of  last  evening  relighted.  This  is  as  regards  its 
virtues  and  not  as  regards  its  former  identity.  This  is  our  view 
of  reincarnation.  We  believe  in  that  which  Jesus  Christ  and  all 
the  prophets  have  believed.  For  example  His  Holiness  the  Bab 
states  *'I  am  the  return  of  all  the  prophets."  This  is  significant 
of  the  oneness  of  the  prophetic  virtues,  the  oneness  of  power,  the 
oneness  of  bestowal,  the  oneness  of  radiation,  the  oneness  of  expres- 
sion, the  oneness  of  revelation. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  163 

Question :  What  is  the  attitude  of  your  belief  toward  the  family  ? 

Answer :  According  to  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah,  the 
family  being  a  human  unit  must  be  educated  according  to  the  rules 
of  sanctity.  All  the  virtues  must  be  taught  the  family.  The  in- 
tegrity of  the  family  bond  must  be  constantly  considered  and  the 
rights  of  the  individual  members  must  not  be  transgressed.  The 
rights  of  the  son,  the  father,  the  mother,  none  of  them  must  be 
transgressed,  none  of  them  must  be  arbitrary.  Just  as  the  son  has 
certain  obligations  to  his  father,  the  father  likewise  has  certain 
obligations  to  his  son.  The  mother,  the  sister  and  other  members 
of  the  household  have  their  certain  prerogatives.  All  these  rights 
and  prerogatives  must  be  conserved,  yet  the  unity  of  the  family 
must  be  sustained.  The  injury  of  one  shall  be  considered  the  injury 
of  all ;  the  comfort  of  each  the  comfort  of  all ;  the  honor  of  one 
the  honor  of  all. 

Question:  What  is  the  relation  of  the  Bahai  teaching  to  the 
ancient  Zoroastrian  religion? 

Answer:  The  religions  of  God  have  the  same  foundation  but 
the  dogmas  appearing  later  have  differed.  Each  of  the  divine 
religions  has  two  aspects.  The  first  is  essential.  It  concerns 
morality  and  development  of  the  virtues  of  the  human  world.  This 
aspect  is  common  to  all.  It  is  fundamental ;  it  is  one ;  there  is  no 
difference,  no  variation  in  it.  As  regards  the  inculcation  of 
morality  and  the  development  of  human  virtues  there  is  no  differ- 
ence whatsoever  between  the  teachings  of  Zoroaster,  Jesus  and 
Baha  'Ullah.  In  this  they  agree ;  they  are  one.  The  second 
aspect  of  the  divine  religions  is  non-essential.  It  concerns  human 
needs  and  undergoes  change  in  every  cycle  according  to  the  exi- 
gency of  the  time.  For  example,  in  the  time  of  ]Moses  divorce  was 
conformable  to  the  needs  and  conditions.  His  Holiness  Moses  there- 
fore established  it ;  but  in  the  time  of  His  Holiness  Christ  divorces 
were  numerous  and  the  cause  of  corruption.  As  they  were  not 
suitable  for  the  time,  he  made  divorce  unlawful  and  likewise 
changed  other  laws.  These  are  needs  and  conditions  which  have 
to  do  with  the  conduct  of  society;  therefore  they  undergo  change 
according  to  the  exigency  of  the  time.  His  Holiness  Moses  dwelt 
in  the  desert.  As  there  w^re  no  penitentiaries,  no  means  of  resti- 
tution in  the  desert  and  wilderness,  the  laws  of  God  were  '  *  An  eye 
for  an  eye,  a  tooth  for  a  tooth."  Could  this  be  carried  out  now? 
If  a  man  destroys  another  man's  eye  are  you  willing  to  destroy  the 
eye  of  the  offender?  If  a  man's  teeth  are  broken  or  his  ear  cut 
off  will  you  demand  a  corresponding  mutilation  of  his  assailant? 


164     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

This  would  not  be  conformable  to  conditions  of  humanity  at  the 
present  time.  If  a  man  steals  shall  his  hand  be  cut  off?  This 
punishment  was  just  and  right  in  the  law  of  Moses  but  it  was 
applicable  to  the  desert  where  there  were  no  prisons  and  reforma- 
tory institutions  of  later  and  higher  forms  of  government.  Today 
you  have  government  and  organization,  a  police  system,  a  judge 
and  trial  by  jury.  The  punishment  and  penalty  is  now  different. 
Therefore  the  non-essentials  which  deal  with  details  of  community 
are  changed  according  to  the  exigency  of  the  time  and  conditions. 
But  the  essential  foundation  of  the  teachings  of  Moses,  Zoroaster, 
Jesus  and  Baha  'Ullah  is  identical,  is  one ;  there  is  no  difference 
whatsoever. ' ' 

Question :    Is  peace  a  greater  word  than  love ? 

Ansiver:  No!  love  is  greater  than  peace,  for  peace  is  founded 
upon  love.  Love  is  the  objective  point  of  peace  and  peace  is  an 
outcome  of  love.  Until  love  is  attained,  peace  cannot  be ;  but  there 
is  a  so-called  peace  without  love.  The  love  which  is  from  God  is  the 
fundamental.  This  love  is  the  object  of  all  human  attainment,  the 
radiance  of  heaven,  the  light  of  man. 

Question  :    Will  you  state  the  tenets  of  your  faith  ? 

Answer:  First;  investigate  the  reality.  Man  must  leave  imi- 
tation and  seek  reality.  The  contemporaneous  religious  beliefs  dif- 
fer because  of  their  allegiance  to  dogma.  It  is  necessary  therefore 
to  abandon  imitations  and  seek  their  fundamental  reality. 

Second ;  the  oneness  of  humanity.  All  human  creatures  are  the 
servants  of  God.  All  are  submerged  in  the  sea  of  his  mercy.  The 
creator  of  all  is  one  God;  the  provider,  the  giver,  the  protector  of 
all  is  one  God.  He  is  kind  to  all ;  why  should  we  be  unkind  ?  All 
live  beneath  the  shadow  of  his  love;  why  should  we  hate  each 
other?  There  are  certain  people  who  are  ignorant;  they  must  be 
educated.  Some  are  like  children ;  they  must  be  trained  and  edu- 
cated until  they  reach  maturity.  Others  are  sickly,  intellectually 
ill,  spiritually  ill ;  they  must  be  treated  and  healed.  But  all  are  the 
servants  of  God. 

Third;  religion  must  be  conducive  to  love  of  all,  the  cause  of 
fellowship,  unity  and  light.  If  it  be  the  cause  of  enmity,  bloodshed 
and  hatred,  its  non-being  is  better  than  its  being,  its  non-existence 
better  than  its  existence.  Religion  and  science  conform  and  agree. 
If  a  question  of  religion  violates  reason  and  does  not  agree  with 
science,  it  is  imagination  and  not  worthy  of  credence. 

Fourth ;  equality  between  men  and  women.  In  all  degrees  they 
are  equal.     The  readjustment  of  the  economic  laws  for  the  liveli- 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  165 

hood  of  man  must  be  effected  in  order  that  all  humanity  may  live 
in  the  greatest  happiness  according  to  their  respective  degrees. 

Fifth;  spiritual  brotherhood.  All  mankind  must  attain  to 
spiritual  fraternity,  that  is  to  say,  fraternity  in  the  Holy  Spirit; 
for  patriotic,  racial  and  political  fraternity  are  of  no  avail.  Their 
results  are  meager  but  divine  fraternity,  spiritual  fraternity  is  the 
cause  of  unity  and  amity  among  mankind.  As  heretofore  material 
civilization  has  been  extended,  the  divine  civilization  must  now  be 
promulgated.  Until  the  two  agree,  real  happiness  among  mankind 
will  be  unknown.  By  mere  intellectual  development  and  power  of 
reason,  man  cannot  attain  to  his  fullest  degree ;  that  is  to  say,  by 
means  of  intellect  alone  he  cannot  accomplish  the  progress  effected 
by  religion.  For  the  philosophers  of  the  past  strove  in  vain  to 
revivify  the  world  of  mankind  through  the  intellectual  faculty. 
The  most  of  which  they  were  capable  was  educating  themselves 
and  a  limited  number  of  disciples ;  they  themselves  have  confessed 
failure.  Therefore  the  world  of  humanity  must  be  confirmed  by 
the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  order  to  receive  universal  educa- 
tion. Through  the  infusion  of  divine  power  all  nations  and  peoples 
become  quickened  and  universal  happiness  is  possible. 

These  are  some  of  the  principles  of  the  Bahais. 

Question:  Will  women  or  men  aid  this  new  religion  most? 
Which  will  be  most  capable  ? 

Answer:  In  Persia  the  men  have  aided  it  more  but  in  the 
west  perchance  the  women.  In  the  west  women  evidently  have 
precedence  in  religion  but  in  the  east  men  surpass  the  women. 

Question:    What  will  be  the  food  of  the  united  people? 

Answer:  As  humanity  progresses,  meat  will  be  used  less  and 
less,  for  the  teeth  of  man  are  not  carnivorous.  For  example,  the 
lion  is  endowed  with  carnivorous  teeth  which  are  intended  for  meat 
and  if  meat  be  not  found,  the  lion  starves.  The  lion  cannot  graze ; 
its  teeth  are  of  different  shape.  The  digestive  system  of  the  lion 
is  such  that  it  cannot  receive  nourishment  save  through  meat.  The 
eagle  has  a  crooked  beak;  the  lower  part  shorter  than  the  upper. 
It  cannot  pick  up  grain ;  it  cannot  graze ;  therefore  it  is  compelled 
to  partake  of  meat.  The  domestic  animals  have  herbivorous  teeth 
formed  to  cut  grass  which  is  their  fodder.  The  human  teeth,  the 
molars,  are  formed  to  grind  grain.  The  front  teeth,  the  incisors, 
are  for  fruits,  etc.  It  is  therefore  quite  apparent  according  to  the 
implements  for  eating,  man 's  food  is  intended  to  be  grain  and  not 
meat.  When  mankind  is  more  fully  developed,  the  eating  of  meat 
will  gradually  cease. 


166     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

VII 

June  8,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  John  G.  Grundy 

THE  body-politic  today  is  greatly  in  need  of  a  physician.  It  is 
similar  to  a  human  body  afflicted  with  severe  ailments.  A 
doctor  diagnoses  the  case  and  prescribes  treatment.  He  does  not 
prescribe  however  until  he  has  made  the  diagnosis.  The  disease 
which  afflicts  the  body-politic  is  lack  of  love  and  absence  of  altruism. 
In  the  hearts  of  men  no  real  love  is  found  and  the  condition  is 
such  that  unless  their  susceptibilities  are  quickened  by  some  power 
so  that  unity,  love  and  accord  may  develop  within  them,  there  can 
be  no  healing,  no  agreement  among  mankind.  Love  and  unity  are 
the  needs  of  the  body-politic  today.  Without  these  there  can  be 
no  progress  or  prosperity  attained.  Therefore  the  friends  of  God 
must  adhere  to  the  power  which  will  create  this  love  and  unity  in 
the  hearts  of  the  sons  of  men.  Science  cannot  cure  the  illness  of 
the  body-politic.  Science  cannot  create  amity  and  fellowship  in 
human  hearts.  Neither  can  patriotism  nor  racial  allegiance  effect 
a  remedy.  It  must  be  accomplished  solely  through  the  divine  boun- 
ties and  spiritual  bestowals  which  have  descended  from  God  in  this 
day  for  that  purpose.  This  is  an  exigency  of  the  times  and  the 
divine  remedy  has  been  provided.  The  spiritual  teachings  of  the 
religion  of  God  can  alone  create  this  love,  unity  and  accord  in 
human  hearts. 

Therefore  hold  to  these  heavenly  agencies  which  God  has  pro- 
vided, so  that  through  the  love  of  God  this  soul  bond  may  be  estab- 
lished, this  heart  attachment  realized  and  the  light  of  the  reality 
of  unity  be  reflected  from  you  throughout  the  universe.  If  we  do 
not  hold  fast  to  these  divine  agencies  and  means,  no  result  will  be 
possible.  Let  us  pray  to  God  that  he  will  exhilarate  our  spirits  so 
we  may  behold  the  descent  of  his  bounties,  illumine  our  eyes  to 
witness  his  great  guidance  and  attune  our  ears  to  enjoy  the  celes- 
tial melodies  of  the  heavenly  Word,  This  is  our  greatest  hope. 
This  is  our  ultimate  purpose, 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Balia  delivered 
in  Philadelphia. 

June  9,  1912,  at  Unitarian  Church,  15th  Street  and  Girard  Ave., 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Notes  by  Edna  McKinney 

I  HAVE  come  from  distant  countries  of  the  Orient  where  the 
lights  of  heaven  have  ever  shone  forth ;  from  regions  where  the 
manifestations  of  God  have  appeared  and  the  radiance  and  power 
of  God  have  been  revealed  to  mankind.  The  purpose  and  inten- 
tion of  my  visit  is  that  perchance  a  bond  of  unity  and  agreement 
may  be  established  between  the  east  and  west,  that  divine  love 
may  encompass  all  nations,  divine  radiance  enlighten  both  con- 
tinents and  the  bounties  of  the  Holy  Spirit  revivify  the  body  of 
the  world.  Therefore  I  supplicate  the  threshold  of  God  that  the 
Orient  and  Occident  may  become  as  one,  that  the  various  peoples 
and  religions  be  unified  and  souls  be  blended  as  the  waves  of  one 
sea.  J\lay  they  become  as  trees,  flowers  and  roses  which  adorn  and 
beautify  the  same  garden. 

The  realm  of  divinity  is  an  indivisible  oneness  wholly  sancti- 
fied above  human  comprehension;  for  intellectual  knowledge  of 
creation  is  finite  w^hereas  comprehension  of  divinity  is  infinite. 
How  can  the  finite  comprehend  the  infinite  ?  We  are  utter  poverty 
whereas  the  reality  of  divinity  is  absolute  wealth.  How  can  utter 
poverty  understand  absolute  wealth?  We  are  utter  weakness 
whereas  the  reality  of  divinity  is  absolute  power.  Utter  weakness 
can  never  attain  nor  apprehend  absolute  power.  The  phenomenal 
beings  which  are  captives  of  limitations  are  ever  subject  to  trans- 
formation and  change  in  condition.  How  can  such  phenomenal 
beings  ever  grasp  the  heavenly,  eternal,  unchanging  reality? 
Assuredly  this  is  an  absolute  impossibility,  for  when  we  study  the 
creational  world  we  see  that  the  difference  of  degree  is  a  barrier 
to  such  knowing.  An  inferior  degree  can  never  comprehend  a 
higher  degree  or  kingdom.  The  mineral,  no  matter  how  far  it  may 
advance  can  never  attain  knowledge  of  the  vegetable.  No  matter 
how  the  plant  or  vegetable  may  progress  it  cannot  perceive  the 
reality  of  the  animal  kingdom;  in  other  words  it  cannot  grasp  a 
world  of  life  that  is  endowed  with  the  power  of  the  senses.  The 
animal  may  develop  a  wonderful  degree  of  intelligence  but  it  can 
never  attain  the  power  of  ideation  and  conscious  reflection  which 

167 


168     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

belong  to  man.  It  is  evident  therefore  that  difference  in  degree  is 
ever  an  obstacle  to  comprehension  of  the  higher  by  the  lower,  the 
superior  by  the  inferior.  This  flower,  so  beautiful,  fresh,  fragrant 
and  delicately  scented,  although  it  may  have  attained  perfection 
in  its  own  kingdom,  nevertheless  cannot  comprehend  the  human 
reality,  cannot  possess  sight  and  hearing;  therefore  it  exists  un- 
aware of  the  world  of  man  although  man  and  itself  are  both 
accidental  or  conditional  beings.  The  difference  is  difference  of 
degree.  The  limitation  of  an  inferior  degree  is  the  barrier  to 
comprehension. 

This  being  so,  how  can  the  human  reality  which  is  limited  com- 
prehend the  eternal,  unmanifest  creator?  How  can  man  compre- 
hend the  omniscient  omnipresent  Lord?  Undoubtedly  he  cannot, 
for  whatever  comes  within  the  grasp  of  human  mind  is  man 's  lim- 
ited conception  whereas  the  divine  kingdom  is  unlimited,  infinite. 
But  although  the  reality  of  divinity  is  sanctified  beyond  the  com- 
prehension of  its  creatures,  it  has  bestowed  its  bounties  upon  all 
kingdoms  of  the  phenomenal  world,  and  evidences  of  spiritual 
manifestation  are  witnessed  throughout  the  realms  of  contingent 
existence.  The  lights  of  God  illumine  the  world  of  man  even  as  the 
effulgences  of  the  sun  shine  gloriously  upon  the  material  creation. 
The  Sun  of  Reality  is  one,  its  bestowal  is  one,  its  heat  is  one,  its 
rays  are  one;  it  shines  upon  all  the  phenomenal  world,  but  the 
capacity  for  comprehending  it  differs  according  to  the  kingdoms ; 
each  kingdom  receiving  the  light  and  bounty  of  the  eternal  Sun 
according  to  its  capacity.  The  black  stone  receives  the  light  of  the 
material  sun;  the  trees  and  animals  likewise  are  recipients  of  it. 
All  exist  and  are  developed  by  that  one  bounty.  The  perfect  soul 
of  man,  that  is  to  say,  the  perfect  individual  is  like  a  mirror  where- 
in the  Sun  of  Reality  is  reflected.  The  perfections,  the  image 
and  light  of  that  Sun  have  been  revealed  in  the  mirror;  its  heat 
and  illumination  are  manifest  therein,  for  that  pure  soul  is  a 
perfect  expression  of  the  Sun. 

These  mirrors  are  the  messengers  of  God  who  tell  the  story  of 
divinity  just  as  the  material  mirror  reflects  the  light  and  disc  of 
the  outer  sun  in  the  skies.  In  this  way  the  image  and  effulgence 
of  the  Sun  of  Reality  appear  in  the  mirrors  of  the  manifestations 
of  God.  This  is  what  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  meant  when  he 
declared  **the  father  is  in  the  son,"  the  purpose  being  that  the 
reality  of  that  eternal  Sun  had  become  reflected  in  its  glory  in  Christ 
himself.  It  does  not  signify  that  the  Sun  of  Reality  had  descended 
from  its  place  in  heaven  or  that  its  essential  being  had  effected  an 
entrance  into  the  mirror,  for  there  is  neither  entrance  nor  exit 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA      169 

for  the  reality  of  divinity;  there  is  no  ingress  or  egress;  it  is 
sanctified  above  all  things  and  ever  occupies  its  own  holy  station. 
Changes  and  transformations  are  not  applicable  to  that  eternal 
reality.  Transformation  from  condition  to  condition  is  the  attrib- 
ute of  contingent  realities. 

At  a  time  when  warfare  and  strife  prevailed  among  nations, 
when  enmity  and  hatred  separated  sects  and  denominations  and 
human  differences  were  very  great,  Baha  'Ullah  appeared  upon 
the  horizon  of  the  east  proclaiming  the  oneness  of  God  and  the 
unity  of  the  world  of  humanity.  He  promulgated  the  teaching 
that  all  mankind  are  the  servants  of  one  God;  that  all  have  come 
into  being  through  the  bestowal  of  the  one  creator;  that  God  is 
kind  to  all,  nurtures,  rears  and  protects  all,  provides  for  all  and 
extends  his  love  and  mercy  to  all  races  and  people.  Inasmuch  as 
God  is  loving,  why  should  we  be  unjust  and  unkind  ?  As  God  mani- 
fests loyalty  and  mercy,  why  should  we  show  forth  enmity  and 
hatred?  Surely  the  divine  policy  is  more  perfect  than  human  plan 
and  theory ;  for  no  matter  how  wise  and  sagacious  man  may  become 
he  can  never  attain  a  policy  that  is  superior  to  the  policy  of  God. 
Therefore  we  must  emulate  the  attitude  of  God,  love  all  people,  be 
just  and  kind  to  every  human  creature.  We  must  consider  all  as 
the  leaves,  branches  and  fruit  of  one  tree,  children  of  one  house- 
hold ;  for  all  are  the  progeny  of  Adam.  We  are  waves  of  one  sea, 
grass  of  the  same  meadow,  stars  in  the  same  heaven  and  find  shelter 
in  the  universal  divine  protector.  If  one  be  sick  he  must  be  treated, 
the  ignorant  must  be  educated,  the  sleeping  must  be  awakened,  the 
dead  must  be  quickened  with  life.  These  were  principles  of  the 
teachings  of  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah. 

In  proclaiming  the  oneness  of  mankind,  he  taught  that  men  and 
women  are  equal  in  the  sight  of  God  and  there  is  no  distinction 
to  be  made  between  them.  The  only  difference  between  them  now 
is  due  to  lack  of  education  and  training.  If  woman  is  given  equal 
opportunity  of  education,  distinction  and  estimate  of  inferiority 
will  disappear.  The  world  of  humanity  has  two  wings  as  it  were, 
one  is  the  female,  the  other  is  the  male.  If  one  wing  be  defective 
the  strong  perfect  wing  will  not  be  capable  of  flight.  The  world 
of  humanity  has  two  hands.  If  one  be  imperfect  the  capable  hand 
is  restricted  and  unable  to  perform  its  duties.  God  is  the  creator 
of  mankind.  He  has  endowed  both  sexes  with  perfections  and  in- 
telligence, given  them  physical  members  and  organs  of  sense,  with- 
out differentiation  or  distinction  as  to  superiority;  therefore  why 
should  woman  be  considered  inferior  ?  This  is  not  according  to  the 
plan  and  justice  of  God.     He  has  created  them  equal ;  in  his  esti- 


170     THE  PROMULGATION  OP  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

mate  there  is  no  question  of  sex.  The  one  whose  heart  is  purest, 
whose  deeds  are  most  perfect  is  acceptable  to  God,  male  or  female. 
Often  in  history  women  have  been  the  pride  of  humanity;  for 
example,  Mary  the  mother  of  Jesus.  She  was  the  glory  of  mankind. 
Mary  Magdalene,  Ayeshah  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  Sarah  wife  of 
Abraham  and  innumerable  others  have  glorified  the  human  race  by 
their  excellences.  In  this  day  there  are  women  among  the  Bahais 
who  far  outshine  men.  They  are  wise,  talented,  well-informed, 
progressive,  most  intelligent  and  the  light  of  men.  They  surpass 
men  in  courage.  When  they  speak  in  meetings,  the  men  listen 
with  great  respect.  Furthermore,  the  education  of  women  is  of 
greater  importance  than  the  education  of  men,  for  they  are  the 
mothers  of  the  race  and  mothers  rear  the  children.  The  first 
teachers  of  children  are  the  mothers.  Therefore  they  must  be 
capably  trained  in  order  to  educate  both  sons  and  daughters.  There 
are  many  provisions  in  the  words  of  Baha  'Ullah  in  regard  to  this. 

He  promulgated  the  adoption  of  the  same  course  of  education 
for  man  and  woman.  Daughters  and  sons  must  follow  the  same 
curriculum  of  study,  thereby  promoting  unity  of  the  sexes.  When 
all  mankind  shall  receive  the  same  opportunity  of  education  and 
the  equality  of  men  and  women  be  realized,  the  foundations  of 
war  will  be  utterly  destroyed.  Without  equality  this  will  be  im- 
possible because  all  difi'erences  and  distinction  are  conducive  to 
discord  and  strife.  Equality  between  men  and  women  is  conducive 
to  the  abolition  of  warfare  for  the  reason  that  women  will  never 
be  willing  to  sanction  it.  Mothers  will  not  give  their  sons  as  sacri- 
fices upon  the  battlefield  after  twenty  years  of  anxiety  and  loving 
devotion  in  rearing  them  from  infancy,  no  matter  what  cause  they 
are  called  upon  to  defend.  There  is  no  doubt  that  when  women 
obtain  equality  of  rights  war  will  entirely  cease  among  mankind. 

Baha  'Ullah  promulgated  the  fundamental  oneness  of  religion. 
He  taught  that  reality  is  one  and  not  multiple,  that  it  underlies 
all  divine  precepts  and  that  the  foundations  of  the  religions  are 
therefore  the  same.  Certain  forms  and  imitations  have  gradually 
arisen.  As  these  vary,  they  cause  differences  among  religionists. 
If  we  set  aside  these  imitations  and  seek  the  fundamental  reality 
underlying  our  beliefs  we  reach  a  basis  of  agreement  because  it 
is  one  and  not  multiple. 

Among  other  principles  of  Baha  'Ullah  's  teachings  was  the 
harmony  of  science  and  religion.  Religion  must  stand  the  analysis 
of  reason.  It  must  agree  with  scientific  fact  and  proof  so  that 
science  will  sanction  religion  and  religion  fortify  science.  Both 
are  indissolubly  welded  and  joined  in  the  reality.     If  statements 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA      171 

and  teachings  of  religion  are  found  to  be  unreasonable  and  con- 
trary to  science,  they  are  outcomes  of  superstition  and  imagina- 
tion. Innumerable  doctrines  and  beliefs  of  this  character  have 
arisen  in  the  past  ages.  Consider  the  superstitions  and  mythology 
of  the  Romans,  Greeks  and  Egyptians ;  all  were  contrary  to  religion 
and  science.  It  is  now  evident  that  the  beliefs  of  these  nations 
were  superstitions  but  in  those  times  they  held  to  them  most  tena- 
ciously. For  example,  one  of  the  many  Egyptian  idols  was  to  those 
people  an  authenticated  miracle  whereas  in  reality  it  was  a  piece  of 
stone.  As  science  could  not  sanction  the  miraculous  origin  and 
nature  of  a  piece  of  rock  the  belief  in  it  must  have  been  super- 
stition. It  is  now  evident  that  it  was  superstition.  Therefore  we 
must  cast  aside  such  beliefs  and  investigate  reality.  That  which 
is  found  to  be  real  and  conformable  to  reason  must  be  accepted, 
and  whatever  science  and  reason  cannot  support  must  be  rejected 
as  miitation  and  not  reality.  Then  differences  of  belief  will  dis- 
appear. All  will  become  as  one  family,  one  people,  and  the  same 
susceptibility  to  the  divine  bounty  and  education  will  be  witnessed 
among  mankind. 

0  Lord!  0  thou  hope  of  people!  Thou  art  the  shelter  of  all 
these  thy  servants.  Thou  knowest  the  secrets  and  mysteries.  We 
are  all  sinners  and  thou  art  the  shelter  of  sinners,  the  merciful, 
the  clement.  0  Lord !  look  not  at  our  shortcomings.  Deal  with  us 
according  to  thy  grace  and  bestowal.  Our  shortcomings  are  many 
but  the  ocean  of  thy  forgiveness  is  boundless.  Therefore  confirm 
and  strengthen  us.  Assist  us  in  that  which  will  make  us  acceptable 
at  thy  threshold.  Illumine  the  hearts,  make  the  eyes  seeing,  render 
the  ears  attentive,  resuscitate  the  dead  and  heal  the  sick.  Render 
the  poor  rich  and  the  fugitive  confident.  Accept  us  in  thy  king- 
dom. Illumine  us  with  the  light  of  kindness.  Thou  art  the  gener- 
ous !    Thou  art  the  clement  I    Thou  art  the  kind ! 


II 

June  9,  1912,  at  Baptist  Temple,  Broad  and  Berks  Streets, 

Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Notes  by  Edna  McKinney 

I  AM  greatly  pleased  to  be  present  this  evening.  Truly  this  is  a 
spiritual  gathering.  I  perceive  the  fragrances  of  the  heavenly 
kingdom  among  you ;  devotion  to  God.  sincere  intention  and  spirit- 
ual love.     Glad-tidings! 

From  the  time  of  the  creation  of  Adam  to  this  dav  there  have 


172      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

been  two  pathways  in  the  world  of  humanity;  one  the  natural  or 
materialistic,  the  other  the  religious  or  spiritual.  The  pathway  of 
nature  is  the  pathway  of  the  animal  realm.  The  animal  acts  in 
accordance  with  the  requirements  of  nature,  follows  its  own  in- 
stincts and  desires.  Whatever  its  impulses  and  proclivities  may  be 
it  has  the  liberty  to  gratify  them;  yet  it  is  a  captive  of  nature. 
It  cannot  devia,te  in  the  least  degree  from  the  road  nature  has  estab- 
lished. It  is  utterly  minus  spiritual  susceptibilities,  ignorant  of 
divine  religion  and  without  knowledge  of  the  kingdom  of  God,  The 
animal  possesses  no  power  of  ideation  or  conscious  intelligence;  it 
is  a  captive  of  the  senses  and  deprived  of  that  which  lies  beyond 
them.  It  is  subject  to  what  the  eye  sees,  the  ear  hears,  the  nostrils 
sense,  the  taste  detects  and  touch  reveals.  These  sensations  are 
acceptable  and  sufficient  for  the  animal.  But  that  which  is  be- 
yond the  range  of  the  senses,  that  realm  of  phenomena  through 
which  the  conscious  pathway  to  the  kingdom  of  God  leads,  the 
world  of  spiritual  susceptibilities  and  divine  religion, — of  these 
the  animal  is  completely  unaware,  for  in  its  highest  station  it  is  a 
captive  of  nature. 

One  of  the  strangest  things  witnessed  is  that  the  materialists 
of  today  are  proud  of  their  natural  instincts  and  bondage.  They 
state  that  nothing  is  entitled  to  belief  and  acceptance  except  that 
which  is  sensible  or  tangible.  By  their  own  statements  they  are 
captives  of  nature,  unconscious  of  the  spiritual  world,  uninformed 
of  the  divine  kingdom  and  unaware  of  heavenly  bestowals.  If  this 
be  a  virtue  the  animal  has  attained  it  to  a  superlative  degree,  for 
the  animal  is  absolutely  ignorant  of  the  realm  of  spirit  and  out  of 
touch  with  the  inner  world  of  conscious  realization.  The  animal 
would  agree  with  the  materialist  in  denying  the  existence  of  that 
which  transcends  the  senses.  If  we  admit  that  being  limited  to  the 
plane  of  the  senses  is  a  virtue  the  animal  is  indeed  more  virtuous 
than  man,  for  it  is  entirely  bereft  of  that  which  lies  beyond,  ab- 
solutely oblivious  of  the  kingdom  of  God  and  its  traces  whereas 
God  has  deposited  within  the  human  creature  an  illimitable  power 
by  which  he  can  rule  the  world  of  nature. 

Consider  how  all  other  phenomenal  existence  and  beings  are 
captives  of  nature.  The  sun,  that  colossal  center  of  our  solar  sys- 
tem, the  giant  stars  and  planets,  the  towering  mountains,  the  earth 
itself  and  its  kingdoms  of  life  lower  than  the  human, — all  are 
captives  of  nature  except  man.  No  other  created  thing  can  deviate 
in  the  slightest  degree  from  obedience  to  natural  law.  The  sun  in 
its  glory  and  greatness  millions  of  miles  away  is  held  prisoner  in  its 
orbit  of  universal  revolution,  captive  of  universal  natural  control. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA      173 

Man  is  the  ruler  of  nature.  According  to  natural  law  and  limita- 
tion he  should  remain  upon  the  earth,  but  behold  how  he  violates 
this  command  and  soars  above  the  mountains  in  aeroplanes.  He 
sails  in  ships  upon  the  surface  of  the  ocean  and  dives  into  its  depths 
in  submarines.  Man  makes  nature  his  servant;  harnesses  the 
mighty  energy  of  electricity  for  instance  and  imprisons  it  in  a 
small  lamp  for  his  uses  and  convenience.  He  speaks  from  the  east 
to  the  west  through  a  wire.  He  is  able  to  store  and  preserve  his 
voice  in  a  phonograph.  Though  he  is  a  dweller  upon  earth  he 
penetrates  the  mysteries  of  starry  worlds  inconceivably  distant.  He 
discovers  latent  realities  within  the  bosom  of  the  earth,  uncovers 
treasures,  penetrates  secrets  and  mysteries  of  the  phenomenal  world 
and  brings  to  light  that  which  according  to  nature's  jealous  laws 
should  remain  hidden,  unknown  and  unfathomable.  Through  an 
ideal  inner  power  man  brings  these  realities  forth  from  the  in- 
visible plane  to  the  visible.     This  is  contrary  to  nature's  law. 

It  is  evident  therefore  that  man  is  ruler  over  nature's  sphere 
and  province.  Nature  is  inert,  man  is  progressive.  Nature  has 
no  consciousness,  man  is  endow^ed  with  it.  Nature  is  without  voli- 
tion and  acts  perforce  whereas  man  possesses  a  mighty  will.  Nature 
is  incapable  of  discovering  mysteries  or  realities  whereas  man  is 
especially  fitted  to  do  so.  Nature  is  not  in  touch  with  the  realm  of 
God,  man  is  attuned  to  its  evidences.  Nature  is  uninformed  of 
God,  man  is  conscious  of  him.  Man  acquires  divine  virtues, 
nature  is  denied  them.  Man  can  voluntarily  discontinue  vices, 
nature  has  no  power  to  modify  the  influence  of  its  instincts.  Alto- 
gether it  is  evident  that  man  is  more  noble  and  superior;  that  in 
him  there  is  an  ideal  power  surpassing  nature.  He  has  conscious- 
ness, volition,  memory,  intelligent  power,  divine  attributes  and  vir- 
tues of  which  nature  is  completely  deprived,  bereft  and  minus; 
therefore  man  is  higher  and  nobler  l3y  reason  of  the  ideal  and  heav- 
enly force  latent  and  manifest  in  him. 

How  strange  then  it  seems  that  man,  notwithstanding  his  en- 
dowment with  this  ideal  power,  will  descend  to  a  level  beneath  him 
and  declare  himself  no  greater  than  that  which  is  manifestly  in- 
ferior to  his  real  station.  God  has  created  such  a  conscious  spirit 
within  him  that  he  is  the  most  wonderful  of  all  contingent  beings. 
In  ignoring  these  virtues  he  descends  to  the  material  plane,  con- 
siders matter  the  ruler  of  existence  and  denies  that  which  lies 
beyond.  Is  this  virtue  ?  In  its  fullest  sense  this  is  animalistic,  for 
the  animal  realizes  nothing  more.  In  fact  from  this  standpoint  the 
animal  is  the  greater  philosopher  because  it  is  completely  ignorant 
of  the  kingdom  of  God,  possesses  no  spiritual  susceptibilities  and 


174     THE  PRO:\IULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

is  uninformed  of  the  heavenly  world.  In  brief,  this  is  a  view  of  the 
pathway  of  nature. 

The  second  pathway  is  that  of  religion,  the  road  of  the  divine 
kingdom.  It  involves  the  acquisition  of  praiseworthy  attributes, 
heavenly  illumination  and  righteous  actions  in  the  world  of  hu- 
manity. This  pathway  is  conducive  to  the  progress  and  uplift  of 
the  world.  It  is  the  source  of  human  enlightenment,  training  and 
ethical  improvement;  the  magnet  which  attracts  the  love  of  God 
because  of  the  knowledge  of  God  it  bestows.  This  is  the  road  of 
the  holy  manifestations  of  God  for  they  are  in  reality  the  founda- 
tion of  the  divine  religion  of  oneness.  There  is  no  change  or  trans- 
formation in  this  pathway.  It  is  the  cause  of  human  betterment, 
the  acquisition  of  heavenly  virtues  and  the  illumination  of  man- 
kind. 

Alas!  that  humanity  is  completely  submerged  in  imitations  and 
unrealities  notwithstanding  the  truth  of  divine  religion  has  ever 
remained  the  same.  Superstitions  have  obscured  the  fundamental 
reality,  the  world  is  darkened  and  the  light  of  religion  is  not  appar- 
ent. This  darkness  is  conducive  to  differences  and  dissensions; 
rites  and  dogmas  are  many  and  various ;  therefore  discord  has 
arisen  among  the  religious  systems  whereas  religion  is  for  the  uni- 
fication of  mankind.  True  religion  is  the  source  of  love  and  agree- 
ment amongst  men,  the  cause  of  the  development  of  praiseworthy 
qualities;  but  the  people  are  holding  to  the  counterfeit  and  imita- 
tion, negligent  of  the  reality  which  unifies;  so  they  are  bereft  and 
deprived  of  the  radiance  of  religion.  They  follow  superstitions 
inherited  from  their  fathers  and  ancestors.  To  such  an  extent  has 
this  prevailed  that  they  have  taken  away  the  heavenly  light  of 
divine  truth  and  sit  in  the  darkness  of  imitations  and  imaginations. 
That  which  was  meant  to  be  conducive  to  life  has  become  the  cause 
of  death;  that  which  should  have  been  an  evidence  of  knowledge 
is  now  a  proof  of  ignorance ;  that  which  was  a  factor  in  the  sublimity 
of  human  nature  has  proved  to  be  its  degradation.  Therefore  the 
realm  of  the  religionist  has  gradually  narrowed  and  darkened  and 
the  sphere  of  the  materialist  has  widened  and  advanced;  for  the 
religionist  has  held  to  imitation  and  counterfeit,  neglecting  and 
discarding  holiness  and  the  sacred  reality  of  religion.  When  the 
sun  sets  it  is  the  time  for  bats  to  fly.  They  come  forth  because 
they  are  creatures  of  the  night.  When  the  lights  of  religion  become 
darkened  the  materialists  appear.  They  are  the  bats  of  night. 
The  decline  of  religion  is  their  time  of  activity;  they  seek  the 
shadows  when  the  world  is  darkened  and  clouds  have  spread  over  it. 

His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  has  risen  from  the  eastern  horizon. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA      175 

Like  the  glory  of  the  sun  he  has  come  into  the  world.  He  has 
reflected  the  reality  of  divine  religion,  dispelled  the  darkness  of 
imitations,  laid  the  foundation  of  new  teachings  and  resuscitated 
the  world. 

The  first  teaching  of  Baha  'IJllah  is  the  investigation  of  reality. 
IMan  must  seek  the  reality  himself,  forsaking  imitations  and  adher- 
ence to  mere  hereditary  forms.  As  the  nations  of  the  world  are 
following  imitations  in  lieu  of  truth  and  as  imitations  are  many 
and  various,  differences  of  belief  have  been  productive  of  strife 
and  warfare.  So  long  as  these  imitations  remain  the  oneness  of 
the  world  of  humanity  is  impossible.  Therefore  we  must  investi- 
gate the  reality  in  order  that  by  its  light  the  clouds  and  darkness 
may  be  dispelled.  Reality  is  one  reality;  it  does  not  admit  multi- 
plicity or  division.  If  the  nations  of  the  world  investigate  reality 
they  will  agree  and  become  united.  Many  people  and  sects  in 
Persia  have  sought  reality  through  the  guidance  and  teaching  of 
Baha  'Ullah.  They  have  become  united  and  now  live  in  a  state 
of  agreement  and  love;  among  them  there  is  no  longer  the  least 
trace  of  enmity  and  strife. 

The  Jews  were  expecting  the  appearance  of  the  IMessiah,  look- 
ing forward  to  it  with  devotion  of  heart  and  soul  but  because  they 
were  submerged  in  imitations  they  did  not  believe  in  His  Holiness 
Jesus  Christ  when  he  appeared.  Finally  they  rose  against  him 
even  to  the  extreme  of  persecution  and  shedding  his  blood.  Had 
they  investigated  reality  they  would  have  accepted  their  promised 
Messiah.  These  blind  imitations  and  hereditary  prejudices  have 
invariably  become  the  cause  of  bitterness  and  hatred  and  have  filled 
the  world  with  darkness  and  violence  of  war.  Therefore  we  must 
seek  the  fundamental  truth  in  order  to  extricate  ourselves  from 
such  conditions  and  then  with  illumined  faces  find  the  pathway 
to  the  kingdom  of  God, 

The  second  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  concerns  the  unity  of  man- 
kind. All  are  the  servants  of  God  and  members  of  one  human 
family.  God  has  created  all  and  all  are  his  children.  He  rears, 
nourishes,  provides  for  and  is  kind  to  all.  Why  should  we  be  un- 
just and  unkind?  This  is  the  policy  of  God,  the  lights  of  which 
have  shone  throughout  the  world.  His  sun  bestows  its  effulgence 
unsparingly  upon  all,  his  clouds  send  down  rain  without  distinction 
or  favor,  his  breezes  refresh  the  whole  earth.  It  is  evident  that 
humankind  without  exception  is  sheltered  beneath  his  mercy  and 
protection.  Some  are  imperfect;  they  must  be  perfected.  The 
ignorant  must  be  taught,  the  sick  healed,  the  sleepers  awakened. 
The  child  must  not  be  oppressed  or  censured  because  it  is  unde- 


176      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

veloped;  it  must  be  patiently  trained.  The  sick  must  not  be 
neglected  because  they  are  ailing;  nay,  rather,  we  must  have  com- 
passion upon  them  and  bring  them  healing.  Briefly;  the  old  con- 
ditions of  animosity,  bigotry  and  hatred  between  the  religious  sys- 
tems must  be  dispelled  and  the  new  conditions  of  love,  agreement 
and  spiritual  brotherhood  be  established  among  them. 

The  third  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  that  religion  must  be  the 
source  of  fellowship,  the  cause  of  unity  and  the  nearness  of  God  to 
man.  If  it  rouses  hatred  and  strife  it  is  evident  that  absence  of 
religion  is  preferable  and  an  irreligious  man  better  than  one  who 
professes  it.  According  to  the  divine  will  and  intention  religion 
should  be  the  cause  of  love  and  agreement,  a  bond  to  unify  all  man- 
kind  for  it  is  a  message  of  peace  and  good-will  to  man  from  God. 

The  fourth  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  the  agreement  of  religion 
and  science.  God  has  endowed  man  with  intelligence  and  reason 
whereby  he  is  required  to  determine  the  verity  of  questions  and 
propositions.  If  religious  beliefs  and  opinions  are  found  contrary 
to  the  standards  of  science  they  are  mere  superstitions  and  imagin- 
ations; for  the  antithesis  of  knowledge  is  ignorance,  and  the  child 
of  ignorance  is  superstition.  Unquestionably  there  must  be  agree- 
ment between  true  religion  and  science.  If  a  question  be  found 
contrary  to  reason,  faith  and  belief  in  it  are  impossible  and  there 
is  no  outcome  but  wavering  and  vacillation. 

Baha  'Ullah  has  also  taught  that  prejudices,  whether  religious, 
racial,  patriotic  or  political  are  destructive  to  the  foundations  of 
human  development.  Prejudices  of  any  kind  are  the  destroyers 
of  human  happiness  and  welfare.  Until  they  are  dispelled  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  world  of  humanity  is  not  possible,  yet  racial, 
religious  and  national  bias  are  observed  everywhere.  For  thousands 
of  years  the  world  of  humanity  has  been  agitated  and  disturbed  by 
prejudices.  As  long  as  it  prevails,  warfare,  animosity  and  hatred 
will  continue.  Therefore  if  we  seek  to  establish  peace  we  must  cast 
aside  this  obstacle,  for  otherwise  agreement  and  composure  are 
not  to  be  attained. 

Fifth :  Baha  'Ullah  set  forth  principles  of  guidance  and 
teaching  for  economic  readjustment.  Regulations  were  revealed  by 
him  which  insure  the  welfare  of  the  commonwealth.  As  the  rich 
man  enjoys  his  life  surrounded  by  ease  and  luxuries,  so  the  poor 
man  must  likewise  have  a  home  and  be  provided  with  sustenance 
and  comforts  commensurate  with  his  needs.  This  readjustment  of 
the  social  economic  is  of  the  greatest  importance  inasmuch  as  it 
insures  the  stability  of  the  world  of  humanity;  and  until  it  is 
effected,  happiness  and  prosperity  are  impossible. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  PHILADELPHIA      177 

Sixth :  Baha  'Ullah  teaches  that  an  equal  standard  of  human 
rights  must  be  recognized  and  adopted.  In  the  estimation  of  God 
all  men  are  equal ;  there  is  no  distinction  or  preferment  for  any 
soul  in  the  dominion  of  his  justice  and  equity. 

Seventh :  Education  is  essential  and  all  standards  of  training 
and  teaching  throughout  the  world  of  mankind  should  be  brought 
into  conformity  and  agreement ;  a  universal  curriculum  should  be 
established  and  the  basis  of  ethics  be  the  same. 

Eighth:  A  universal  language  shall  be  adopted  and  be  taught 
by  all  the  schools  and  institutions  of  the  world.  A  committee 
appointed  by  national  bodies  of  learning  shall  select  a  suitable 
language  to  be  used  as  a  medium  of  international  communication. 
All  must  acquire  it.  This  is  one  of  the  great  factors  in  the  uni- 
fication of  man. 

Ninth :  Baha  'Ullah  emphasized  and  established  the  equality 
of  man  and  woman.  Sex  is  not  particularized  to  humanity ;  it 
exists  throughout  the  animate  kingdoms  but  without  distinction  or 
preference.  In  the  vegetable  kingdom  there  is  complete  equality 
between  male  and  female  of  species.  Likewise  in  the  animal  plane 
equality  exists ;  all  are  under  the  protection  of  God.  Is  it  becoming 
to  man  that  he  the  noblest  of  creatures  should  observe  and  insist 
upon  such  distinction?  Woman's  lack  of  progress  and  proficiency 
has  been  due  to  her  need  of  equal  education  and  opportunity.  Had 
she  been  allowed  this  equality  there  is  no  doubt  she  would  be  the 
counterpart  of  man  in  ability  and  capacity.  The  happiness  of 
mankind  will  be  realized  when  women  and  men  coordinate  and 
advance  equally,  for  each  is  the  complement  and  helpmeet  of  the 
other. 

The  world  of  humanity  cannot  advance  through  mere  physical 
powers  and  intellectual  attainments;  nay,  rather,  the  Holy  Spirit 
is  essential.  The  divine  father  must  assist  the  human  world  to 
attain  maturity.  The  body  of  man  is  in  need  of  physical  and 
mental  energy  but  his  spirit  requires  the  life  and  fortification  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  Without  its  protection  and  quickening  the  human 
world  would  be  extinguished.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  declared 
"Let  the  dead  bury  their  dead."  He  also  said  "That  which  is 
born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh,  and  that  which  is  born  of  the  spirit  is 
spirit."  It  is  evident  therefore  according  to  His  Holiness  that  the 
human  spirit  which  is  not  fortified  by  the  presence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  is  dead  and  in  need  of  resurrection  by  that  divine  power; 
otherwise  though  materially  advanced  to  high  degrees  man  cannot 
attain  full  and  complete  progress. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered 
in  New  York  and  Brooklyn. 

June  11, 1912,  at  780  West  End  Ave.,  New  York. 

Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  B.  Kinney. 

Open  Committee  Meeting. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

IT  is  my  hope  that  the  meetings  of  the  Bahai  Assembly  in  New 
York  shall  become  like  meetings  of  the  Supreme  Concourse. 
When  you  assemble  you  must  reflect  the  lights  of  the  heavenly 
kingdom.  Let  your  hearts  be  as  mirrors  in  which  the  radiance 
of  the  Sun  of  Reality  is  visible.  Each  bosom  must  be  a  telegraph 
station;  one  terminus  of  the  wire  attached  to  the  soul,  the  other 
fixed  in  the  Supreme  Concourse,  so  that  inspiration  may  descend 
from  the  kingdom  of  Abha  and  questions  of  reality  be  discussed. 
Then  opinions  will  coincide  with  truth;  day  by  day  there  will  be 
progression  and  the  meetings  become  more  radiant  and  spiritual. 
This  attainment  is  conditioned  upon  unity  and  agreement.  The 
more  perfect  the  love  and  agreement,  the  more  the  divine  con- 
firmations and  assistance  of  the  Blessed  Perfection  will  descend. 
May  this  prove  to  be  a  divine  meeting  and  may  boundless  bestowals 
come  down  upon  you.  Strive  with  all  your  hearts  and  with  the 
veiy  power  of  life  that  unity  and  love  may  continually  increase. 
In  discussions  look  toward  the  reality  without  being  self-opinion- 
ated. Let  no  one  assert  and  insist  upon  his  own  mere  opinion ;  nay, 
rather,  let  each  investigate  the  reality  with  the  greatest  love  and 
fellowship.  Consult  upon  every  matter  and  when  one  presents 
the  point  of  view  of  the  reality  itself,  that  shall  be  acceptable  to 
all.  Then  will  spiritual  unity  increase  among  you,  individual 
illumination  will  be  greater,  happiness  more  abundant  and  you 
will  draw  nearer  and  nearer  to  the  kingdom  of  God. 

II 

June  11,  1912,  at  309  ^Yest  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

WE  have  just  returned  from  a  visit  to  Philadelphia,  spending 
two  nights  there  and  speaking  in  two  large  churches.     The 
weather  proved  unpleasant  and  afi'ected  my  health.     The  purpose 

178 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  179 

in  these  movements  here  and  there  is  a  single  purpose ;  it  is  to 
spread  the  light  of  truth  in  this  dark  world.     On  account  of  my 
age  it  is  diiificult  to  journey.    Sometimes  the  difficulties  are  arduous 
but  out  of  love  for  the  friends  of  God  and  with  desire  to  sacrifice 
myself  in  the  pathway  of  God,  I  bear  them  in  gladness.     The  pur- 
pose is  the  result  which  is  accomplished,  love  and  unity  among  man- 
kind.    For  the  world  is  dark  with  discord  and  selfishness,  hearts 
are  negligent,  souls  bereft  of  God  and  his  heavenly  bestowals.    j\Ian 
is  submerged  in  the  affairs  of  this  world.     His  aims,  objects  and 
attainments  are  mortal    whereas  God  desires   for  him  immortal 
accomplishments.    In  his  heart  there  is  no  thought  of  God.    He  has 
sacrificed  his  portion  and  birthright  of  divine  spirituality.     Desire 
and  passion  like  two  unmanageable  horses  have  wrested  the  reins 
of  control  from  him  and  are  galloping  madly  in  the  wilderness. 
This  is  the  cause  of  the  degradation  of  the  world  of  humanity. 
This  is  the  cause  of  its  retrogression  into  the  appetites  and  passions 
of  the  animal  kingdom.     Instead  of  divine  advancement    we  find 
sensual  captivity  and  debasement  of  heavenly  virtues  of  the  soul. 
By  devotion  to  the  carnal,  mortal  world  human  susceptibilities  sink 
to  the  level  of  animalism. 

What  are  the  animals'  propensities?  To  eat,  drink,  wander 
about  and  sleep.  The  thoughts,  the  minds  of  the  animals  are  con- 
fined to  these.  They  are  captives  in  the  bonds  of  these  desires. 
Man  becomes  a  prisoner  and  slave  to  them  when  his  ultimate  desire 
is  no  higher  than  his  welfare  in  this  world  of  the  senses.  Consider 
how  difficult  for  man  is  the  attainment  of  pleasures  and  happiness 
in  this  mortal  world.  How  easy  it  is  for  the  animal.  Look  upon 
the  fields  and  flowers,  prairies,  streams,  forests  and  mountains. 
The  grazing  animals,  the  birds  of  the  air,  the  fishes  neither  toil  nor 
undergo  hardships ;  they  sow  not  nor  are  they  concerned  about  the 
reaping ;  they  have  no  anxiety  about  business  or  politics ;  no  trouble 
or  worry  whatsoever.  All  the  fields  and  grasses,  all  the  meadows 
of  fruits  and  grains,  all  the  mountain  slopes  and  streams  of  salub- 
rious water  belong  to  them.  They  have  no  labor  for  their  liveli- 
hood and  happiness  because  everything  is  provided  and  made 
possible  for  them.  If  the  life  of  man  be  confined  to  this  physical, 
material  outlook  the  animal's  life  is  a  hundred  times  better,  easier 
and  more  productive  of  comfort  and  contentment.  The  animal  is 
nobler,  more  serene  and  confident  because  each  hour  is  free  from 
anxiety  and  worriment ;  but  man,  restless  and  dissatisfied,  runs  from 
morn  till  eve,  sailing  the  seas,  diving  beneath  them  in  submarines, 
flying  aloft  in  aeroplanes,  delving  into  the  lowest  strata  of  the  earth 
to  obtain  his  livelihood ;  all  with  the  greatest  difficulty,  anxiety  and 


180     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

unrest.  Therefore  in  this  respect  the  animal  is  nobler,  more  serene, 
poised  and  confident.  Consider  the  birds  in  the  forest  and  jungle, 
how  they  build  their  nests  high  in  the  swaying  tree-tops,  build  them 
with  the  utmost  skill  and  beauty,  swinging,  rocking  in  the  morning 
breezes,  drinking  the  pure,  sweet  water,  enjoying  the  most  enchant- 
ing views  as  they  fly  here  and  there  high  overhead,  singing  joy- 
ously, all  without  labor,  free  from  worry,  care  and  forebodings. 
If  man's  life  be  confined  to  the  elemental,  physical  world  of  enjoy- 
ment, one  lark  is  nobler,  more  admirable  than  all  humanity  because 
its  livelihood  is  prepared,  its  condition  complete,  its  accomplish- 
ment perfect  and  natural. 

But  the  life  of  man  is  not  so  restricted;  it  is  divine,  eternal, 
not  mortal  and  sensual.  For  him  a  spiritual  existence  and  liveli- 
hood is  prepared  and  ordained  in  the  divine  creative  plan.  His 
life  is  intended  to  be  a  life  of  spiritual  enjoyment  to  which  the 
animal  can  never  attain.  This  enjoyment  depends  upon  the  acqui- 
sition of  heavenly  virtues.  The  sublimity  of  man  is  his  attainment 
of  the  knowledge  of  God.  The  bliss  of  man  is  the  acquiring  of 
heavenly  bestowals  which  descend  upon  him  in  the  outflow  of  the 
bounty  of  God.  The  happiness  of  man  is  in  the  fragrance  of  the 
love  of  God.  This  is  the  highest  pinnacle  of  attainment  in  the 
human  world.  How  preferable  to  the  animal  and  its  hopeless 
kingdom ! 

Therefore  consider  how  base  a  nature  it  reveals  in  man  that 
notwithstanding  the  favors  showered  upon  him  by  God  he  should 
lower  himself  into  the  animal  sphere,  be  wholly  occupied  with 
material  needs,  attached  to  this  mortal  realm,  imagining  that  the 
greatest  happiness  is  to  attain  wealth  in  this  world.  How  purpose- 
less !  How  debased  is  such  a  nature !  God  has  created  man  in 
order  that  he  may  be  a  dove  of  the  kingdom,  a  heavenly  candle,  a 
recipient  of  life  eternal.  God  has  created  man  in  order  that  he 
may  be  resuscitated  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and 
become  the  light  of  the  world.  How  debased  the  soul  which  can 
find  enjoyment  in  this  darkness,  occupied  with  itself,  the  captive  of 
self  and  passion,  wallowing  in  the  mire  of  the  material  world !  How 
degraded  is  such  a  nature !  What  an  ignorance  this  is !  What  a 
blindness!  How  glorious  the  station  of  man  who  has  partaken  of 
the  heavenly  food  and  builded  the  temple  of  his  everlasting  resi- 
dence in  the  world  of  heaven! 

The  manifestations  of  God  have  come  into  the  world  to  free  man 
from  these  bonds  and  chains  of  the  world  of  nature.  Although 
they  walked  upon  the  earth  they  lived  in  heaven.  They  were  not 
concerned  about  material  sustenance  and  prosperity  of  this  world. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  181 

Their  bodies  were  subjected  to  inconceivable  distress  but  their 
spirits  ever  soared  in  the  highest  realms  of  ecstasy.  The  purpose  of 
their  coming,  their  teaching  and  suffering  was  the  freedom  of  man 
from  himself.  Shall  we  therefore  follow  in  their  footsteps,  escape 
from  this  cage  of  the  body  or  continue  subject  to  its  tyranny? 
Shall  we  pursue  the  phantom  of  a  mortal  happiness  which  does  not 
exist  or  turn  toward  the  tree  of  life  and  the  joys  of  its  eternal 
fruits? 

I  have  come  to  this  country  in  the  advanced  years  of  my  life, 
undergoing  difficulties  of  health  and  climate  because  of  excessive 
love  for  the  friends  of  God.  It  is  my  wish  that  they  may  be 
assisted  to  become  servants  of  the  heavenly  kingdom,  captives  in  the 
service  of  the  will  of  God.  This  captivity  is  freedom,  this  sacrifice 
is  glorification,  this  labor  is  reward,  this  need  is  bestowal.  For 
service  in  love  for  mankind  is  unity  with  God.  He  who  serves  has 
already  entered  the  kingdom  and  is  seated  at  the  right  hand  of 
his  Lord. 

Ill 

June  11,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Emma  C.   Melick 

MAN  must  be  lofty  in  endeavor.  He  must  seek  to  become  heav- 
enly and  spiritual ;  to  find  the  pathway  to  the  threshold  of 
God  and  Ijecome  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God.  This  is  eternal 
glory  ;  to  be  near  to  God.  This  is  eternal  sovereignty ;  to  be  imbued 
with  the  virtues  of  the  human  world.  This  is  boundless  blessing ; 
to  be  entirely  sanctified  and  holy  above  every  stain  and  dross. 

Consider  the  human  world.  See  how  nations  have  come  and 
gone.  They  have  been  of  all  minds  and  purposes.  Some  were  mere 
captives  of  self  and  desire,  engulfed  in  the  passions  of  the  lower 
nature.  They  attained  to  wealth,  to  the  comforts  of  life,  to  fame. 
And  what  was  the  final  outcome  ?  Utter  evanescence  and  oblivion. 
Reflect  upon  this.  Look  upon  it  with  the  eye  of  admonition.  No 
trace  of  them  remains,  no  fruit,  no  result,  no  benefit;  they  have 
gone  utterly ;  complete  effacement. 

Souls  have  appeared  in  the  world  who  were  pure  and  undefiled, 
who  have  directed  their  attention  toward  God,  seeking  the  reward 
of  God,  attaining  nearness  to  the  threshold  of  God,  acceptable  in 
the  good-pleasure  of  God.  They  have  been  the  lights  of  guidance 
and  stars  of  the  Supreme  Concourse.  Consider  these  souls,  shining 
like  stars  in  the  horizon  of  sanctity  forevermore. 

It  must  not  be  implied  that  one  should  give  up  avocation  and 


182     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

attainment  of  livelihood.  On  the  contrary,  in  the  cause  of  Baha 
'Ullah  monasticism  and  asceticism  are  not  sanctioned.  In  this 
great  cause  the  light  of  guidance  is  shining  and  radiant.  His 
Holiness  Baha  'Uli,ah  has  even  said  that  occupation  and  labor  are 
devotion.  All  humanity  must  obtain  a  livelihood  by  sweat  of  the 
brow  and  bodily  exertion ;  at  the  same  time  seeking  to  lift  the  bur- 
den of  others,  striving  to  be  the  source  of  comfort  to  souls  and 
facilitating  the  means  of  living.  This  in  itself  is  devotion  to  God. 
Baha  'Ullah  has  thereby  encouraged  action  and  stimulated  service. 
But  the  energies  of  the  heart  must  not  be  attached  to  these 
things ;  the  soul  must  not  be  completely  occupied  with  them.  Though 
the  mind  is  busy  the  heart  must  be  attracted  toward  the  kingdom 
of  God  in  order  that  the  virtues  of  humanity  may  be  attained 
from  every  direction  and  source. 

We  have  forsaken  the  path  of  God ;  we  have  given  up  attention 
to  the  divine  kingdom ;  we  have  not  severed  the  heart  from  worldly 
attractions;  we  have  become  defiled  with  qualities  which  are  not 
praiseworthy  in  the  sight  of  God;  we  are  so  completely  steeped  in 
material  issues  and  tendencies  that  we  are  not  partakers  of  the 
virtues  of  humanity. 

Little  reflection,  little  admonition  is  necessary  for  us  to  realize 
the  purpose  of  our  creation.  What  a  heavenly  potentiality  God  has 
deposited  within  us!  What  a  power  God  has  given  our  spirits! 
He  has  endowed  us  with  a  power  to  penetrate  the  realities  of  things ; 
but  we  must  be  self-abnegating,  we  must  have  pure  spirits,  pure 
intentions,  and  strive  with  heart  and  soul  while  in  the  human  world, 
to  attain  glory  everlasting. 

I  have  come  for  the  purpose  of  admonition  and  voicing  the 
teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah.  It  is  my  hope  that  his  will  and  guid- 
ance may  influence  your  spirits,  souls  and  hearts,  causing  them  to 
become  pure,  holy,  sanctified  and  illumined  and  making  you  lamps 
of  heavenly  illumination  to  the  world.  This  is  my  desire;  this  is 
my  hope  through  the  assistance  of  God. 


IV 

June  12,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Mary  J.  MacNutt 

YOU  are  all  exceedingly  welcome.  Do  you  realize  how  much 
you  should  thank  God  for  his  blessings  ?  If  you  should  thank 
him  a  thousand  times  with  each  breath  it  would  not  be  sufficient, 
because  God  has  created  and  trained  you.     He  has  protected  you 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  183 

from  every  affliction  and  prepared  every  gift  and  bestowal.     Con- 
sider, what  a  kind  father  he  is.    He  bestows  his  gift  before  you  ask. 
We  were  not  in  the  world  of  existence  but  as  soon  as  we  were  born 
we  found  everything  prepared  for  our  needs  and  comfort  without 
question  on  our  part.     He  has  given  us  a  kind  father  and  com- 
passionate mother,  provided  for  us  two  springs  of  salubrious  milk, 
pure  atmosphere,  refreshing  water,  gentle  breezes  and  the  sun  shin- 
ing above  our  heads.    In  brief,  he  has  supplied  all  the  necessities  of 
life    although  we  did  not  ask  for  any  of  these  great  gifts.     With 
pure  mercy  and  bounty  he  has  prepai;ed  this  great  table.     It  is  a 
mercy  which  precedes  asking.     There  is  another  kind  of  mercy 
which  is  realized  after  questioning  and  supplication.     He  has  be- 
stowed both  upon  us — without  asking  and  with  supplication.     He 
has  created  us  in  this  radiant  century,  a  century  longed  for  and 
expected  by  all  the  sanctified  souls  in  past  periods.     It  is  a  blessed 
century;  it  is  a  blessed  day.     The  philosophers  of  history  have 
agreed  that  this  century  is  equal  to  one  hundred  past  centuries. 
This  is  true  from  every  standpoint.   This  is  the  century  of  science, 
inventions,  discoveries  and  universal  laws.     This  is  the  century  of 
the  revelation  of  the  mysteries  of  God.     This  is  the  century  of  the 
effulgence  of  the  rays  of  the  Sun  of  Truth.     Therefore  you  must 
render  thanks  and  glorification  to  God  that  you  were  born  in  this 
age.     Furthermore,  you  have  listened  to  the  call  of  Baha  'Ullaii. 
Your  nostrils  are  perfumed  with  the  breezes  of  the  paradise  of 
Abha.    You  have  caught  glimpses  of  the  light  from  the  horizon  of 
the  Orient.    You  were  asleep;  you  are  awakened.     Your  ears  are 
attentive;  your  hearts  are  informed.     You  have  acquired  the  love 
of  God.    You  have  attained  to  the  knowledge  of  God.     This  is  the 
most  great  bestowal  of  God.     This  is  the  breath  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
and  this  consists  of  faith  and  assurance.     This  life  eternal  is  the 
second  birth;  this  is  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit.     God  has 
destined  this  station  for  you  all.     He  has  prepared  this  for  you. 
You  must  appreciate  the  value  of  this  bounty  and  engage  your 
time  in  mentioning  and  thanking  the  true  One.     You  nuist  live  in 
the  utmost  happiness.    If  any  trouble  or  vicissitude  comes  into  your 
lives,  if  your  heart  is  depressed  on  account  of  health,  livelihood  or 
vocation,  let  not  these  things  affect  you.     They  should  not  cause 
unhappiness,  for  Baha  'Ullaii  has  brought  you  divine  happiness. 
He  has  prepared  heavenly  food  for  you;  he  has  destined  eternal 
bounty  for  you ;  he  has  bestowed  everlasting  glory  upon  you.  There- 
fore these  glad-tidings  should  cause  you  to  soar  in  the  atmosphere 
of  joy  forever  and  ever.    Render  continual  thanks  unto  God  so  that 
the  confirmations  of  God  may  encircle  you  all. 


184     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 


June  15,  1912,  at  309  ^Yest  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

I  HAVE  made  you  wait  awhile,  but  as  I  was  tired  I  slept.  While 
I  was  sleeping  I  was  conversing  with  you  as  though  speaking 
at  the  top  of  my  voice.  Then  through  the  effect  of  my  own  voice 
I  awoke.  As  I  awoke,  one  word  was  upon  my  lips, — the  word 
"Imtiyaz"  (Distinction).  So  I  will  speak  to  you  upon  that  sub- 
ject this  morning. 

"When  we  look  upon  the  world  of  existence  we  realize  that  all 
material  things  have  a  common  bond;  and  yet  on  the  other  hand 
there  are  certain  points  of  distinction  between  them.  For  instance, 
all  earthly  objects  have  common  bodily  ties.  The  minerals,  vege- 
tables and  animals  have  elemental  bodies  in  common  with  each 
other.  Likewise  they  have  place  in  the  order  of  creation.  This  is 
the  common  tie  or  point  of  contact  between  them.  All  of  them  pass 
through  the  process  of  composition  and  decomposition;  this  is  a 
natural  law  to  which  all  are  subject.  This  law  is  ruling  through- 
out creation  and  constitutes  a  bond  of  connection  among  created 
things.  But  at  the  same  time  there  are  certain  distinguishing 
features  between  these  objects.  For  instance,  between  the  mineral 
and  vegetable,  the  vegetable  and  animal,  the  animal  and  human, 
points  of  distinction  exist  which  are  unmistakable  and  significant. 
Likewise  there  are  distinctions  between  kinds  and  species  of  each 
kingdom.  When  we  consider  the  mineral  kingdom  in  detail,  we 
observe  not  only  points  of  similarity  between  objects  but  points  of 
distinction  as  well.  Some  are  immovable  bodies,  some  hard  and 
solid,  some  have  the  power  of  expansion  and  contraction,  some  are 
liquid,  some  gaseous,  some  have  weight,  others,  like  fire  and  elec- 
tricity, have  not.  So  there  are  many  points  of  distinction  among 
these  kinds  of  elements. 

In  the  vegetable  kingdom  also  we  observe  distinction  between  the 
various  sorts  and  species  of  organisms.  Each  has  its  own  form, 
color  and  fragrance.  In  the  animal  kingdom  the  same  law  rules,  as 
many  distinctions  in  form,  color  and  function  are  noticeable.  It  is 
the  same  in  the  human  kingdom.  From  the  standpoint  of  color, 
there  are  white,  black,  yellow  and  red  people.  From  the  standpoint 
of  physiognomy  there  is  a  wide  difference  and  distinction  among 
races.  The  Asian,  African  and  American  have  different  physiog- 
nomies ;  the  men  of  the  north  and  men  of  the  south  are  very  differ- 
ent in  type  and  features.    From  an  economic  standpoint,  in  the  law 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  185 

of  living  there  is  a  great  deal  of  difference.  Some  are  poor,  others 
wealthy;  some  are  wise,  others  ignorant;  some  patient  and  serene, 
some  impatient  and  excitable ;  some  are  prone  to  justice,  others 
practice  injustice  and  oppression ;  some  are  meek,  others  arrogant. 
In  brief,  there  are  many  points  of  distinction  among  humankind. 

/  desire  distinction  for  you.  The  Bahais  must  be  distinguished 
from  others  of  humanity.  But  this  distinction  must  not  depend 
upon  wealth — that  they  should  become  more  affluent  than  other 
people.  I  do  not  desire  for  you  financial  distinction.  It  is  not  an 
ordinary  distinction  I  desire;  not  scientific,  commercial,  industrial 
distinction.  For  you  I  desire  spiritual  distinction;  that  is,  you 
must  become  eminent  and  distinguished  in  morals.  In  the  love  of 
God  you  7nust  become  distinguished  from  all  else.  You  must  become 
distinguished  for  loving  humanity;  for  unity  and  accord;  for  love 
and  justice.  In  brief,  you.  must  become  distinguished  in  all  the  vir- 
tues of  the  human  world;  for  faithfulness  and  sincerity;  for  justice 
and'  fidelity;  for  firmness  and  steadfastness ;  for  philanthropic  deeds 
and  service  to  the  human  world;  for  love  toivard  every  human 
being;  for  unity  and  accord  with  all  people;  for  removing  prej- 
udices and  promoting  international  peace.  Finally,  you  must 
become  distinguished  for  heavenly  illumination  and  acquiring  the 
bestowals  of  God.  I  desire  this  distinction  for  you.  This  must  be 
the  point  of  distinction  among  you. 

VI 

June  16,  1912,  at  Fourth  Unitarian  Church,  Beverly  Road, 
Flatbush,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

THIS  is  a  unitarian  church,  and  in  the  Arabic  tongue,  this  Day 
may  well  be  called  "Yauml'ittihad,"  the  "Unitarian  Day." 
Therefore  I  consider  it  appropriate  to  speak  to  you  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  "Unity." 

What  is  real  unity?  When  we  observe  the  human  world  we 
find  various  collective  expressions  of  unity  therein.  For  instance, 
man  is  distinguished  from  the  animal  by  his  degree  or  kingdom. 
This  comprehensive  distinction  includes  all  the  posterity  of  Adam 
and  constitutes  one  great  household  or  human  family  which  may  be 
considered  the  fundamental  or  physical  unity  of  mankind.  Fur- 
thennore,  a  distinction  exists  between  various  groups  of  human- 
kind according  to  lineage,  each  group  forming  a  racial  unity  sep- 
arate from  the  others.     There  is  also  the  unity  of  tongue  among 


186     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

those  who  use  the  same  language  as  a  means  of  communication; 
national  unity  where  various  peoples  live  under  one  form  of  gov- 
ernment such  as  French,  German,  British,  etc. ;  and  political  unity 
which  conserves  the  civil  rights  of  parties  or  factions  of  the  same 
government.  All  these  unities  are  imaginary  and  without  real 
foundation,  for  no  real  result  proceeds  from  them.  The  purpose 
of  true  unity  is  real  and  divine  outcomes.  From  these  limited  uni- 
ties mentioned  only  limited  outcomes  proceed  whereas  unlimited 
unity  produces  unlimited  result.  For  instance,  from  the  limited 
unity  of  race  or  nationality  the  results  at  most  are  limited.  It  is 
like  a  family  living  alone  and  solitary;  there  are  no  unlimited  or 
universal  outcomes  from  it. 

The  unity  which  is  productive  of  unlimited  results  is  first  a 
unity  of  mankind  which  recognizes  that  all  are  sheltered  beneath 
the  overshadowing  glory  of  the  All-Glorious ;  that  all  are  servants 
of  one  God;  for  all  breathe  the  same  atmosphere,  live  upon  the 
same  earth,  move  beneath  the  same  heavens,  receive  effulgence 
from  the  same  sun  and  are  under  the  protection  of  one  God.  This 
is  the  most  great  unity,  and  its  results  are  lasting  if  humanity  ad- 
heres to  it ;  but  mankind  has  hitherto  violated  it,  adhering  to  sec- 
tarian or  other  limited  unities  such  as  racial,  patriotic  or  unity  of 
self-interests;  therefore  no  great  results  have  been  forthcoming. 
Nevertheless  it  is  certain  that  the  radiance  and  favors  of  God  are 
encompassing,  minds  have  developed,  perceptions  have  become  acute, 
sciences  and  arts  are  widespread  and  capacity  exists  for  the  procla- 
mation and  promulgation  of  the  real  and  ultimate  unity  of  man- 
kind which  will  bring  forth  marvelous  results.  It  will  reconcile 
all  religions,  make  warring  nations  loving,  cause  hostile  kings  to 
become  friendly  and  bring  peace  and  happiness  to  the  human 
world.  It  will  cement  together  the  Orient  and  Occident,  remove 
forever  the  foundations  of  war  and  upraise  the  ensign  of  the  ' '  Most 
Great  Peace."  These  limited  unities  are  therefore  signs  of  that 
great  unity  which  will  make  all  the  human  family  one  by  being  pro- 
ductive of  the  attractions  of  conscience  in  mankind. 

Another  unity  is  the  spiritual  unity  which  emanates  from  the 
breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  This  is  greater  than  the  unity  of  man- 
kind. Human  unity  or  solidarity  may  be  likened  to  the  body 
whereas  unity  from  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  the  spirit 
animating  the  body.  This  is  a  perfect  unity.  It  creates  such  a 
condition  in  mankind  that  each  one  will  make  sacrifices  for  the 
other  and  the  utmost  desire  will  be  to  forfeit  life  and  all  that  per- 
tains to  it  in  behalf  of  another's  good.  This  is  the  unity  which 
existed  among  the  disciples  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  and  bound 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  187 

together  the  prophets  and  holy  souls  of  the  past.  It  is  the  unitj' 
which  through  the  influence  of  the  divine  spirit  is  permeating  the 
Bahais  so  that  each  offers  his  life  for  the  other  and  strives  with  all 
sincerity  to  attain  his  good-pleasure.  This  is  the  unity  which 
caused  twenty  thousand  people  in  Persia  to  give  their  lives  in  love 
and  devotion  to  it.  It  made  the  Bab  the  target  of  a  thousand 
arrows  and  caused  Baha  'Ullah  to  suffer  exile  and  imprisonment 
forty  years.  This  unity  is  the  very  spirit  of  the  body  of  the  world. 
It  is  impossible  for  the  body  of  the  world  to  become  quickened  with 
life  without  its  vivification.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ — may  my 
life  be  a  sacrifice  to  him ! — promulgated  this  unity  among  mankind. 
Every  soul  who  believed  in  Jesus  Christ  became  revivified  and 
resuscitated  through  this  spirit,  attained  to  the  zenith  of  eternal 
glory,  realized  the  life  everlasting,  experienced  the  second  birth 
and  rose  to  the  acme  of  good  fortune. 

In  the  Word  of  God  there  is  still  another  unity,  the  oneness 
of  the  manifestations  of  God,  His  Holiness  Abraham,  INIoses,  Jesus 
Christ,  Mohammed,  the  Bab  and  Baha  'Ullah,  This  is  a  unity 
divine,  heavenly,  radiant,  merciful;  the  one  reality  appearing  in 
its  successive  manifestations.  For  instance,  the  sun  is  one  and  the 
same  but  its  points  of  dawning  are  various.  During  the  summer 
season  it  rises  from  the  northern  point  of  the  ecliptic;  in  winter 
it  appears  from  the  southern  point  of  rising.  Each  month  between 
it  appears  from  a  certain  zodiacal  position.  Although  these  dawn- 
ing-points  are  different,  the  sun  is  the  same  sun  which  has  appeared 
from  them  all.  The  significance  is  the  reality  of  prophethood 
which  is  symbolized  by  the  sun,  and  the  holy  manifestations  are 
the  dawning-places  or  zodiacal  points. 

There  is  also  the  divine  unity  or  entity  which  is  sanctified 
above  all  concept  of  humanity.  It  cannot  be  comprehended  nor 
conceived  because  it  is  infinite  reality  and  cannot  become  finite. 
Human  minds  are  incapable  of  surrounding  that  reality  because 
all  thoughts  and  conceptions  of  it  are  finite,  intellectual  creations 
and  not  the  reality  of  divine  being  which  alone  knows  itself.  Foi* 
example,  if  we  fonn  a  conception  of  divinity  as  a  lining,  almighty, 
self-subsisting,  eternal  being,  this  is  only  a  concept  apprehended 
by  a  human  intellectual  reality.  It  would  not  be  the  outward, 
visible  reality  which  is  beyond  the  power  of  human  mind  to  con- 
ceive or  encompass.  We  ourselves  have  an  external,  visible  entity 
but  even  our  concept  of  it  is  the  product  of  our  own  brain  and 
limited  comprehension.  The  reality  of  divinity  is  sanctified  above 
this  degree  of  knowing  and  realization.  It  has  ever  been  hidden 
and  secluded  in  its  own  holiness  and  sanctity  above  our  compre- 


188     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

hending.  Although  it  transcends  our  realization,  its  lights, 
bestowals,  traces  and  virtues  have  become  manifest  in  the  realities 
of  the  prophets,  even  as  the  sun  becomes  resplendent  in  various 
mirrors.  These  holy  realities  are  as  reflectors,  and  the  reality  of 
divinity  is  as  the  sun  which  although  it  is  reflected  from  the 
mirrors,  and  its  virtues  and  perfections  become  resplendent  therein, 
does  not  stoop  from  its  own  station  of  majesty  and  glory  and  seek 
abode  in  the  mirrors;  it  remains  in  its  heaven  of  sanctity.  At 
most  it  is  this,  that  its  lights  become  manifest  and  evident  in  its 
mirrors  or  manifestations.  Therefore  its  bounty  proceeding  from 
them  is  one  bounty  but  the  recipients  of  that  bounty  are  many. 
This  is  the  unity  of  God ;  this  is  oneness ; — unity  of  divinity,  holy 
above  ascent  or  descent,  embodiment,  comprehension  or  idealiza- 
tion;— divine  unity — the  prophets  are  its  mirrors;  its  lights  are 
revealed  through  them;  its  virtues  become  resplendent  in  them, 
but  the  Sun  of  Reality  never  descends  from  its  own  highest  point 
and  station.  This  is  unity,  oneness,  sanctity;  this  is  glorification 
whereby  we  praise  and  adore  God. 

0  my  God!  0  my  God!  Verily  these  are  servants  at  the 
threshold  of  thy  mercy,  and  maid-servants  at  the  door  of  thy 
oneness.  Verily  they  have  gathered  in  this  temple  to  turn  to 
thy  face  of  glory,  holding  to  the  hem  of  thy  garment  and  to  thy 
singleness,  seeking  thy  good-pleasure,  and  ascent  into  thy  king- 
dom. They  receive  effulgence  from  the  Sun  of  Reality  in  this 
glorious  century  and  they  long  for  thy  good-will  in  all  great  affairs. 
O  Lord!  Illumine  their  sight  with  a  vision  of  thy  signs  and 
riches  and  quicken  their  ears  with  hearkening  to  thy  word.  Render 
their  hearts  replete  with  thy  love  and  gladden  their  spirits  with 
thy  meeting.  Deign  to  bestow  upon  them  spiritual  good  in  thy 
earth  and  heaven  and  make  them  signs  of  unity  among  thy  serv- 
ants, in  order  that  the  real  unity  may  appear  and  all  may  become 
one  in  thy  cause  and  kingdom.  Verily  thou  art  the  generous! 
Verily  thou  art  the  mighty,  the  spiritual !  Thou  art  the  merciful, 
the  clement! 

To  the  children  in  the  Sunday  School. 

1  am  glad  to  see  these  bright,  radiant  children.  God  willing, 
all  of  them  may  realize  the  hopes  and  aspirations  of  their  parents. 

Praise  be  to  God!  I  see  before  me  these  beautiful  children  of 
the  kingdom.  Their  hearts  are  pure,  their  faces  are  shining.  They 
shall  soon  become  the  sons  and  daughters  of  the  kingdom.  Thanks 
be  to  God!  they  are  seeking  to  acquire  virtues  and  will  be  the 
cause  of  the  attainment  of  the  excellences  of  humanity.  This  is 
the  cause  of  oneness  in  the  kingdom  of  God.     Praise  be  to  God! 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  189 

they  have  kind  and  revered  teachers  who  train  and  educate  them 
well  and  who  long  for  confirmation  in  order  that,  God  willing,  like 
tender  plants  in  the  garden  of  God  they  may  be  refreshed  by  the 
downpour  of  the  clouds  of  mercy,  grow  and  become  verdant.  In 
the  utmost  perfection  and  delicacy  may  they  at  last  bring  forth 
fruit. 

I  supplicate  God  that  these  children  may  be  reared  under  his 
protection  and  that  they  may  be  nourished  by  his  favor  and 
grace  until  all,  like  beautiful  flowers  in  the  garden  of  human  hopes 
and  aspirations,  shall  blossom  and  become  redolent  of  fragrance. 

0  God!  Educate  these  children.  These  children  are  the  plants 
of  thy  orchard,  the  flowers  of  thy  meadow,  the  roses  of  thy  garden. 
Let  thy  rain  fall  upon  them ;  let  the  Sun  of  Reality  shine  upon 
them  with  thy  love.  Let  thy  breeze  refresh  them  in  order  that 
they  may  be  trained,  grow  and  develop  and  appear  in  the  utmost 
beauty.     Thou  art  the  giver!     Thou  art  the  compassionate! 

VII 

June  16,  1912,  at  935  Eastern  Parkway,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howard  MacXutt. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

THIS  is  a  splendid  gathering;  a  meeting  of  the  maid-servants 
of  the  merciful  and  the  beloved  of  God.  AVhenever  such  gath- 
erings have  taken  place  in  this  world  the  results  have  been  very 
great.  They  have  exerted  an  influence  upon  the  world  of  hearts 
and  minds.  Wherever  a  lamp  is  lighted  in  the  night,  naturally 
people  are  attracted  and  gather  around  it.  When  you  see  such 
an  assemblage  as  this  you  may  know  that  a  light  is  illumining 
the  darkness.  There  are  lamps  the  light  of  which  is  limited. 
There  are  lamps  the  light  of  which  is  unlimited.  There  are 
lamps  which  illumine  small  places  and  lamps  which  illumine 
the  horizons.  The  lamp  of  the  guidance  of  God  wherever 
lighted  has  shed  its  radiance  throughout  the  east  and  the  west. 
Praise  be  to  God !  it  has  been  lighted  in  this  country ;  day  by  day 
its  radiance  is  becoming  more  resplendent  and  its  effulgence  more 
widespread.  This  is  not  known  now  but  later  on  its  traces  will 
become  evident.  Consider  the  days  of  His  Holiness  Christ,  how 
the  light  of  guidance  brightened  twelve  hearts.  How  limited  it 
seemed  but  how  expansive  it  became  afterward  and  illumined  the 
world !  You  are  not  a  large  body  of  people  but  because  the  lamp 
of  guidance  has  been  lighted  in  your  hearts    the  effects  will  be 


190     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

wonderful  in  the  years  to  come.  It  is  evident  and  manifest  that 
the  world  will  be  illumined  by  this  light ;  therefore  you  must  thank 
God  that — Praise  be  to  God! — through  his  grace  and  favor  the 
lamp  of  the  most  great  guidance  has  been  ignited  in  your  hearts 
and  he  has  summoned  you  to  his  kingdom.  He  has  caused  the 
call  of  the  Supreme  Concourse  to  reach  your  ears.  The  doors  of 
heaven  have  been  opened  unto  you.  The  Sun  of  Reality  is  shining 
upon  you,  the  cloud  of  mercy  is  pouring  down  and  the  breezes 
of  providence  are  wafting  through  your  souls.  Although  the 
bestowal  is  great  and  the  grace  is  glorious,  yet  capacity  and  readi- 
ness are  requisite.  Without  capacity  and  readiness  the  divine 
bounty  will  not  become  manifest  and  evident.  No  matter  how 
much  the  cloud  may  rain,  the  sun  may  shine  and  the  breezes 
blow,  the  soil  that  is  sterile  will  give  no  growth.  The  ground 
that  is  pure  and  free  from  thorns  and  thistles  receives  and  pro- 
duces through  the  rain  of  the  cloud  of  mercy.  No  matter  how 
much  the  sun  shines  it  will  have  no  effect  upon  the  black  rock 
but  in  a  pure  and  polished  mirror  its  lights  become  resplendent. 
Therefore  we  must  develop  capacity  in  order  that  the  signs  of  the 
mercy  of  the  Lord  may  be  revealed  in  us.  We  must  endeavor  to 
free  the  soil  of  the  hearts  from  useless  weeds  and  sanctify  it  from 
the  thorns  of  worthless  thoughts  in  order  that  the  cloud  of  mercy 
may  bestow  its  power  upon  us.  The  doors  of  God  are  open  but 
we  must  be  ready  and  fitted  to  enter.  The  ocean  of  divine  provi- 
dence is  surging  but  we  must  be  able  to  swim.  The  bestowals 
of  the  almighty  are  descending  from  the  heaven  of  grace  but 
capacity  to  receive  them  is  essential.  The  fountain  of  divine 
generosity  is  gushing  forth  but  we  must  have  thirst  for  the 
living  waters.  Unless  there  be  thirst  the  salutary  water  will  not 
assuage.  Unless  the  soul  hungers  the  delicious  foods  of  the 
heavenly  table  will  not  give  sustenance.  Unless  the  eyes  of  per- 
ception be  opened  the  lights  of  the  sun  will  not  be  witnessed. 
Until  the  nostrils  are  purified  the  fragrance  of  the  divine  rose- 
garden  will  not  be  inhaled.  Unless  the  heart  be  filled  with  longing 
the  favors  of  the  Lord  will  not  be  evident.  Unless  a  perfect  melody 
be  sung  the  ears  of  the  hearers  will  not  be  attracted.  Therefore 
we  must  endeavor  night  and  day  to  purify  the  hearts  from  every 
dross,  sanctify  the  souls  from  every  restriction  and  become  free 
from  the  discords  of  the  human  world.  Then  the  divine  bestowals 
will  become  evident  in  their  fullness  and  glory.  If  we  do  not 
strive  and  sanctify  ourselves  from  the  defects  and  evil  qualities 
of  human  nature  we  will  not  partake  of  the  bestowals  of  God. 
It  is  as  if  the  sun  is  shining  in  its  full  gloi-y  but  no  reflection  is 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  191 

forthcoming  from  hearts  that  are  black  as  stone.  If  an  ocean  of 
salubrious  water  is  surging  and  we  be  not  thirsty,  what  benefit  do 
we  receive?  If  the  candle  be  lighted  and  we  have  no  eyes,  what 
enjoyment  do  we  obtain  from  it?  If  melodious  anthems  should 
rise  to  the  heavens  and  we  are  bereft  of  hearing,  what  enjoy- 
ment can  we  find? 

Therefore  we  must  endeavor  always,  cry,  supplicate  and  invoke 
the  kingdom  of  God  to  grant  us  full  capacity  in  order  that  the 
bestowals  of  God  may  become  revealed  and  manifest  in  us.  And 
as  we  attain  to  these  heavenly  bounties  we  shall  offer  thanks  unto 
the  threshold  of  oneness.  Then  shall  we  rejoice  in  the  Lord  that  in 
this  wonderful  century  and  glorious  age,  under  the  shelter  of  the 
kingdom  of  God  we  have  enjoyed  these  bestowals  and  will  arise 
in  praise  and  thanksgiving.  Therefore  I  first  exhort  myself  and 
then  I  entreat  you  to  appreciate  this  great  bestowal,  recognize  this 
most  great  guidance,  accept  these  bounties  of  the  Lord.  You 
must  endeavor  day  and  night  to  become  worthy  of  a  generous 
portion  of  these  gifts  and  realize  full  capacity  of  attainment. 
Praise  be  to  God!  your  hearts  are  illumined,  your  faces  are 
turned  toward  the  kingdom  of  God.  It  is  my  hope  that  all  of 
these  degrees  may  be  reached  and  these  friends  attain  a  station 
which  shall  be  an  example  and  stimulus  for  all  friends  in  the 
world.  May  the  love  of  God  spread  from  here  onward  and  out- 
ward ;  may  the  knowledge  of  God  be  sent  broadcast  from  this  place ; 
may  spiritual  forces  become  effective  here;  may  the  lights  of  the 
kingdom  shine;  may  intelligent  souls  be  found  here  so  that  with 
all  power  they  may  be  occupied  in  the  service  of  God,  furthering 
the  oneness  of  the  human  world  and  the  cause  of  the  ' '  ]\Iost  Great 
Peace."  May  these  souls  be  lighted  candles  and  fruitful  trees; 
may  they  be  pearls  of  the  shells  of  providence ;  may  they  be  stars 
of  heaven.  This  is  my  supplication  to  God.  This  is  my  request 
from  the  Beauty  of  Abha  that  he  may  submerge  all  of  you  in  the 
ocean  of  his  grace. 

Afterward,  speakmg  of  numbers. 
Such  suppositions  regarding  lucky  or  unlucky  numbers  are 
purely  imaginary.  The  superstition  concerning  thirteen  had  its 
origin  in  the  fact  that  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  was  surrounded 
by  twelve  disciples  and  that  Judas  Iscariot  was  the  thirteenth 
member  of  their  gathering.  This  is  the  source  of  the  superstition 
but  it  is  purely  imaginary.  Although  Judas  was  outwardly  a  dis- 
ciple, in  reality  he  was  not.  Twelve  is  the  original  number  of  sig- 
nificance and  completion.  Jacob  had  twelve  sons  from  whom 
descended  twelve  tribes.     The  disciples  of  Jesus  were  twelve;  the 


192     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

imams  of  Mohammed  were  twelve.     The  zodiacal  signs  are  twelve ; 
the  months  of  the  year  are  twelve,  etc.,  etc. 

The  mysteries  of  the  holy  books  have  become  explained  in  the 
manifestation  of  Baha  'Ullah.  Before  he  appeared  these  myste- 
ries were  not  understood.  Baha  'Ullah  opened  and  unsealed 
these  mysteries.  It  was  my  wish  to  come  here  today  to  have  this 
meeting. 

VIII 

June  16,  1912,  at   Central  Congregational  Church, 
Hancock  Street,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

THIS  is  a  goodly  temple  and  congregation,  for — Praise  be  to 
God ! — this  is  a  house  of  worship  wherein  conscientious  opinion 
has  free  sway.  Every  religion  and  every  religious  aspiration  may 
be  freely  voiced  and  expressed  here.  Just  as  in  the  world  of 
politics  there  is  need  for  free  thought,  likewise  in  the  world  of 
religion  there  should  be  the  right  of  unrestricted  individual  belief. 
Consider  what  a  vast  difference  exists  between  modern  democracy 
and  the  old  forms  of  despotism.  Under  an  autocratic  government 
the  opinions  of  men  are  not  free,  and  development  is  stifled 
whereas  in  democracy,  because  thought  and  speech  are  not 
restricted  the  greatest  progress  is  witnessed.  It  is  likewise  true 
in  the  world  of  religion.  When  freedom  of  conscience,  liberty  of 
thought  and  right  of  speech  prevail,  that  is  to  say,  when  every  man 
according  to  his  own  idealization  may  give  expression  to  his  beliefs, 
development  and  growth  are  inevitable.  Therefore  this  is  a  blessed 
church  because  its  pulpit  is  open  to  every  religion  the  ideals  of 
which  may  be  set  forth  with  openness  and  freedom.  For  this 
reason  I  am  most  grateful  to  the  reverend  doctor;  I  find  him 
indeed  a  servant  of  the  oneness  of  humanity. 

The  holy  manifestations  who  have  been  the  sources  or  founders 
of  the  various  religious  systems  were  united  and  agreed  in  purpose 
and  teaching.  His  Holiness  Abraham,  Moses,  Zoroaster,  Buddha, 
Jesus,  Mohammed,  the  Bab  and  Baha  'Ullah  are  one  in  spirit  and 
reality.  Moreover  each  prophet  fulfilled  the  promise  of  the  one 
who  came  before  him  and  likewise  each  announced  the  one  who 
would  follow.  Consider  how  His  Holiness  Abraham  foretold  the 
coming  of  Moses  and  Moses  embodied  the  Abrahamic  statement. 
His  Holiness  Moses  prophesied  the  messianic  cycle  and  His  Holi- 
ness Christ  fulfilled  the  law  of  Moses.     It  is  evident  therefore  that 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  193 

the  holy  manifestations  who  founded  the  religious  systems  are 
united  and  agreed;  there  is  no  differentiation  possible  in  their 
mission  and  teachings;  all  are  reflectors  of  reality  and  all  are 
promulgators  of  tlie  religion  of  God,  The  divine  religion  is  reality 
and  reality  is  not  multiple;  it  is  one.  Therefore  the  foundations 
of  the  religious  systems  are  one  because  all  proceed  from  the 
indivisible  reality;  but  the  followers  of  these  systems  have  dis- 
agreed; discord,  strife  and  warfare  have  arisen  among  them,  for 
they  have  forsaken  the  foundation  and  held  to  that  which  is  but 
imitation  and  semblance.  Inasmuch  as  imitations  dift'er,  enmity 
and  dissension  have  resulted.  For  example,  His  Holiness  Jesus 
Christ — may  my  spirit  be  a  sacrifice  unto  him! — ^laid  the  founda- 
tion of  eternal  reality,  but  after  his  departure  many  sects  and 
divisions  appeared  in  Christianity.  What  was  the  cause  of  this? 
There  is  no  doubt  that  they  originated  in  dogmatic  imitations,  for 
the  foundations  of  Christ  were  reality  itself  in  which  no  divergence 
exists.  When  imitations  appeared,  sects  and  denominations  were 
formed. 

If  Christians  of  all  denominations  and  divisions  should  investi- 
gate reality,  the  foundations  of  His  Holiness  Christ  will  unite 
them.  No  enmity  or  hatred  will  remain  for  they  will  all  be  under 
the  one  guidance  of  reality  itself.  Likewise  in  the  wider  field,  if 
all  the  existing  religious  systems  will  turn  away  from  ancestral 
imitations  and  investigate  the  reality,  seeking  the  real  meanings 
of  the  holy  books,  they  will  unite  and  agree  upon  the  same  founda- 
tion, the  reality  itself.  As  long  as  they  follow  counterfeit  doctrines 
or  imitations  instead  of  reality,  animosity  and  discord  will  exist 
and  increase.  Let  me  illustrate  this.  His  Holiness  Moses  and  the 
prophets  of  Israel  announced  the  advent  of  the  Messiah  but 
expressed  it  in  the  language  of  symbols.  When  His  Holiness  Christ 
appeared,  the  Jews  rejected  him  although  they  were  expecting  his 
manifestation,  and  in  their  temples  and  synagogues  were  crying 
and  lamenting,  saying  "0  God,  hasten  the  coming  of  Messiah!" 
Why  did  they  deny  him  when  he  announced  himself?  Because 
they  had  followed  ancestral  forms  and  interpretations  and  were 
blind  to  the  reality  of  Christ.  They  had  not  perceived  the  inner 
significances  of  the  holy  bible.  They  voiced  their  objections,  say- 
ing "We  are  expecting  His  Holiness  Christ  but  his  coming  is 
conditioned  upon  certain  fulfillments  and  prophetic  announce- 
ments. Among  the  signs  of  his  appearance  is  one  that  he  shall 
come  from  an  unknown  place  whereas  now  this  claimant  of 
messiahship  has  come  from  Nazareth.  We  know  his  home  and 
we  are  acquainted  with  his  mother. 


194     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

''Second:  One  of  the  signs  or  messianic  conditions  is  that  his 
scepter  would  be  an  iron  rod,  and  this  Christ  has  not  even  a  wooden 

staff. 

"Third:  He  was  to  be  seated  upon  the  throne  of  David 
whereas  this  messianic  king  is  in  the  utmost  state  of  poverty  and 
has  not  even  a  mat. 

"Fourth:    He  was  to  conquer  the  east  and  the  west.    This 

person  has  not  even  conquered  a  village.    How  can  he  be  Messiah  ? 

"Fifth:     He  was  to  promulgate  the  laws  of  the  bible.    This 

one  has  not  only  failed  to  promulgate  the  laws  of  the  bible   but 

he  has  broken  the  law  of  the  sabbath. 

' '  Sixth :  Messiah  was  to  gather  together  all  the  Jews  who  were 
scattered  in  Palestine  and  restore  them  to  honor  and  prestige 
but  this  one  has  degraded  the  Jews  instead  of  uplifting  them. 
"Seventh:  During  his  sovereignty  even  the  animals  were  to 
enjoy  blessings  and  comfort,  for  according  to  the  prophetic  texts 
he  should  establish  peace  to  such  a  universal  extent  that  the  eagle 
and  quail  would  live  together,  the  lion  and  deer  would  feed  in  the 
same  meadow,  the  wolf  and  lamb  would  lie  down  in  the  same 
pasture.  In  the  human  kingdom  warfare  was  to  cease  entirely, 
spears  would  be  turned  into  pruning  hooks  and  swords  into  plough- 
shares. Now  we  see  in  the  day  of  this  would-be  Messiah  such 
injustice  prevails  that  even  he  himself  is  sacrificed.  How  could 
he  be  the  promised  Christ  f ' ' 

And  so  they  spoke  infamous  words  regarding  him. 
Now  inasmuch  as  the  Jews  were  submerged  in  the  sea  of 
ancestral  imitations,  they  could  not  comprehend  the  meaning  of 
these  prophecies.  All  the  words  of  the  prophets  were  fulfilled 
but  because  the  Jews  held  tenaciously  to  hereditary  interpreta- 
tions, they  did  not  understand  the  inner  meanings  of  the  holy 
bible;  therefore  they  denied  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  the 
Messiah.  The  purpose  of  the  prophetic  words  was  not  the  outward 
or  literal  meaning  but  the  inner  symbolical  significance.  For 
example,  it  was  announced  that  Messiah  was  to  come  from  an 
unknown  place.  This  did  not  refer  to  the  birthplace  of  the  physical 
body  of  Jesus.  It  has  reference  to  the  reality  of  the  Christ ;  that 
is  to  say,  the  Christ  reality  was  to  appear  from  the  invisible  realm, 
for  the  divine  reality  of  Christ  is  holy  and  sanctified  above  place. 
His  sword  was  to  be  a  sword  of  iron.  This  signified  his  tongue 
which  should  separate  the  true  from  the  false  and  by  which  great 
sword  of  attack  he  would  conquer  the  kingdoms  of  hearts.  He  did 
not  conquer  by  the  physical  power  of  an  iron  rod;  he  conquered 
the  east  and  the  west  by  the  sword  of  his  utterance. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  195 

He  was  seated  upon  the  throne  of  David  but  his  sovereignty- 
was  not  a  Napoleonic  sovereignty  nor  the  vanishing  dominion  of 
a  Pharaoh.  The  Christ  kingdom  was  everlasting,  eternal  in  the 
heaven  of  the  divine  will. 

By  his  promulgating  the  laws  of  the  bible,  the  reality  of  the 
law  of  Moses  was  meant.  The  sinaitic  law  is  the  foundation  of 
the  reality  of  Christianity.  Christ  promulgated  it  and  gave  it 
higher,  spiritual  expression. 

He  conquered  and  subdued  the  east  and  west.  His  conquest 
was  effected  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit  whicli  elimi- 
nated all  boundaries  and  shone  from  all  horizons. 

In  his  day,  according  to  prophecy  the  wolf  and  the  lamb 
were  to  drink  from  the  same  fountain.  This  was  realized  in 
Christ.  The  fountain  referred  to  was  the  gospel  from  which  the 
water  of  life  gushes  forth.  The  wolf  and  lamb  are  opposed  and 
divergent  races  symbolized  by  these  animals.  Their  meeting  and 
association  were  impossible,  but  having  become  believers  in  Jesus 
Christ  those  who  were  formerly  as  wolves  and  lambs  became  united 
through  the  words  of  the  gospel. 

The  purport  is  that  all  the  meanings  of  the  prophecies  were 
fulfilled  but  because  the  Jews  were  captives  of  ancestral  imita- 
tions and  did  not  perceive  the  reality  of  the  meanings  of  these 
words,  they  denied  His  Holiness  Christ;  nay,  they  even  went  so 
far  as  to  crucify  him.  Consider  how  harmful  is  imitation.  These 
were  interpretations  handed  down  from  fathers  and  ancestors,  and 
because  the  Jews  held  fast  to  them,  they  were  deprived. 

It  is  evident  then  that  we  must  forsake  all  such  imitations  and 
beliefs  so  that  we  may  not  commit  this  error.  We  must  investigate 
reality,  lay  aside  selfish  notions  and  banish  hearsay  from  our  minds. 
The  Jews  consider  His  Holiness  Christ  the  enemy  of  Moses  whereas 
on  the  contrary  His  Holiness  Christ  promoted  the  "Word  of  Moses. 
He  spread  the  name  of  Moses  throughout  the  Orient  and  Occident. 
He  promulgated  the  teachings  of  Moses.  Had  it  not  been  for 
His  Holiness  Christ  you  would  not  have  heard  the  name  of  Moses ; 
and  unless  the  manifestation  of  messiahship  had  appeared  in  Christ 
we  would  not  have  received  the  old  testament. 

The  truth  is  that  His  Holiness  fulfilled  the  Mosaic  law  and  in 
every  way  upheld  Moses;  but  the  Jews  blinded  by  imitations  and 
prejudices  considered  His  Holiness  the  enemy  of  Moses. 

Among  the  great  religious  systems  of  the  world  is  Mohammed- 
anism. About  three  hundred  millions  of  people  acknowledge  it. 
For  more  than  a  thousand  years  there  has  been  enmity  and  strife 


196     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

between  Mohammedans  and  Christians,  owing  to  misunderstand- 
ing and  spiritual  blindness.  If  prejudices  and  imitations  were 
abandoned  there  would  be  no  enmity  whatever  between  them,  and 
these  hundreds  of  millions  of  antagonistic  religionists  would  adorn 
the  world  of  humanity  by  their  unity. 

I  wish  now  to  call  your  attention  to  a  most  important  point. 
All  Islam  considers  the  koran  the  Word  of  God.  In  this  sacred 
book  there  are  explicit  texts  which  are  not  traditional,  stating 
this  His  Holiness  Christ  was  the  Word  of  God,  that  he  was  the 
Spirit  of  God,  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  this  world  through  the 
quickening  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  that  Her  Grace  Mary 
his  mother  was  holy  and  sanctified.  In  the  koran  a  whole  chapter 
is  devoted  to  the  story  of  Jesus.  It  records  that  in  the  time  of 
his  youth  he  worshipped  God  in  the  temple  at  Jerusalem;  that 
manna  descended  from  heaven  for  his  sustenance  and  that  he 
uttered  words  immediately  after  his  birth.  In  brief,  in  the  koran 
there  is  eulogy  and  commendation  of  Christ  such  as  you  do  not 
find  in  the  gospel.  The  gospel  does  not  record  that  the  child  Jesus 
spoke  at  birth  or  that  God  caused  sustenance  to  descend  from 
heaven  for  him;  but  in  the  koran  it  is  repeatedly  stated  that 
God  sent  down  manna  day  by  day  as  food  for  him.  Furthermore, 
it  is  significant  and  convincing  that  when  His  Holiness  Mohammed 
proclaimed  his  work  and  mission,  his  first  objection  to  his  own 
followers  was  ' '  Why  have  you  not  believed  on  Jesus  Christ  ?  Why 
have  you  not  accepted  the  gospel?  Why  have  you  not  believed 
in  Moses?  Why  have  you  not  followed  the  precepts  of  the  old 
testament?  Why  have  you  not  understood  the  prophets  of  Israel? 
Why  have  you  not  believed  in  the  disciples  of  Christ?  The  first 
duty  incumbent  upon  ye  O  Arabians!  is  to  accept  and  believe  in 
these.  You  must  consider  Moses  as  a  prophet.  You  must  accept 
Jesus  Christ  as  the  Word  of  God.  You  must  know  the  old  and 
the  new  testament  as  the  Word  of  God.  You  must  believe  in 
Jesus  Christ  as  the  product  of  the  Holy  Spirit."  His  people  an- 
swered "0  Mohammed!  we  will  become  believers  although  our 
fathers  and  ancestors  were  not  believers  and  we  are  proud  of  them. 
Tell  us  what  is  going  to  become  of  them?"  Mohammed  replied 
"I  declare  unto  you  that  they  occupy  the  lowest  stratum  of  hell 
because  they  did  not  believe  in  Moses  and  Christ  and  because  they 
did  not  accept  the  bible ;  and  although  they  are  my  own  ancestors, 
yet  they  are  in  despair  in  hell."  This  is  an  explicit  text  of  the 
koran;  it  is  not  a  story  or  tradition  but  from  the  koran  itself 
which  is  in  the  hands  of  the  people.     Therefore  it  is  evident  that 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  BROOKLYN  197 

ignorance  and  misunderstanding  have  caused  so  much  warfare  and 
strife  between  Christians  and  Mohammedans.  If  both  should  inves- 
tigate the  underlying  truth  of  their  religious  beliefs,  the  outcome 
would  be  unity  and  agreement;  strife  and  bitterness  would  pass 
away  forever  and  the  world  of  humanity  find  peace  and  composure. 
Consider  that  there  are  two  hundred  and  fifty  million  Christians 
and  three  hundred  million  Mohammedans.  How  much  blood  has 
flowed  in  their  wars ;  how  many  nations  have  been  destroyed ;  how 
many  children  have  been  made  fatherless;  how  many  fathers  and 
mothers  have  mourned  the  loss  of  children  and  dear  ones !  All  this 
has  been  due  to  prejudice,  misunderstanding,  and  imitations  of 
ancestral  beliefs  without  investigation  of  the  reality.  If  the  holy 
books  were  rightly  undei-stood  none  of  this  discord  and  distress 
would  have  existed,  but  love  and  fellowship  would  have  prevailed 
instead.  This  is  true  with  all  the  other  religions  as  well.  The 
conditions  I  have  named  will  apply  equally  to  all.  The  essential 
purpose  of  the  religion  of  God  is  to  establish  unity  among  man- 
kind. The  divine  manifestations  were  founders  of  the  means  of 
fellowship  and  love.  They  did  not  come  to  create  discord,  strife 
and  hatred  in  the  world.  The  religion  of  God  is  the  cause  of  love, 
but  if  it  is  made  to  be  the  source  of  enmity  and  bloodshed,  surely 
its  absence  is  preferable  to  its  existence;  for  then  it  becomes 
satanic,  detrimental  and  an  obstacle  to  the  human  world. 

In  the  Orient  the  various  peoples  and  nations  were  in  a  state 
of  antagonism  and  strife,  manifesting  the  utmost  enmity  and  hatred 
toward  each  other.  Darkness  encompassed  the  world  of  mankind. 
At  such  a  time  as  this,  Baha  'Ullah  appeared.  He  removed  all 
the  imitations  and  prejudices  which  had  caused  separation  and 
misunderstanding,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  the  one  religion  of 
God.  When  this  was  accomplished,  Mohammedans,  Christians, 
Jews,  Zoroastrians,  Buddhists  all  were  united  in  actual  fellowship 
and  love.  The  souls  who  followed  Baha  'Ullah  from  every  nation 
have  become  as  one  family  living  in  agreement  and  accord,  willing 
to  sacrifice  life  for  each  other.  The  ]\Iohammedan  will  give  his  life 
for  the  Christian,  the  Christian  for  the  Jew,  and  all  of  them  for 
the  Zoroastrian.  They  live  together  in  love,  fellowship  and  unity. 
They  have  attained  to  the  condition  of  rebirth  in  the  spirit  of 
God.  They  have  become  revivified  and  regenerated  through  the 
breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Praise  be  to  God !  this  light  has  come 
forth  from  the  east  and  eventually  there  shall  be  no  discord  or 
enmity  in  the  Orient.  Through  the  power  of  Baha  'Ullah  all 
will  be  united.     His  Holiness  upraised  this  standard  of  the  one- 


198     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

ness  of  humanity,  in  prison.     When  subjected  to  banishment  by 
two  kings,  while  a  refugee  from  enemies  of  all  nations   and  during 
the  days  of  his  long  imprisonment  he  wrote  to  the  kings  and  rulers 
of  the  world  in  words  of  wonderful  eloquence  arraigning  them 
severely  and  summoning  them  to  the  divine  standard  of  unity  and 
justice.     He  exhorted  them  to  peace  and  international  agreement, 
making  it  incumbent  upon  them  to  establish  a  board  of  inter- 
national arbitration ;  that  from  all  nations  and  governments  of  the 
world  there  should  be  delegates  selected  for  a  congress  of  nations 
which  should  constitute  a  universal  arbitral  court  of  justice  to  settle 
international    disputes.     He   wrote    to    Victoria   queen   of    Great 
Britain,  the  czar  of  Russia,  the  emperor  of  Germany,  Napoleon  III 
of  France,  and  others,  inviting  them  to  world  unity  and  peace. 
Through  a  heavenly  power  he  was  enabled  to  promulgate  these 
ideals  in  the  Orient.     Kings  could  not  withstand  him.     They  en- 
deavored to  extinguish  his  light  but  served  only  to  increase  its 
intensity  and  illumination.     While  in  prison  he  stood  against  the 
shah  of  Persia  and  sultan  of  Turkey  and  promulgated  his  teach- 
ings until  he  firmly  established  the  banner  of  truth  and  the  oneness 
of  humankind.     I  was  a  prisoner  wdth  him  for  forty  years  until 
the  Young  Turks  of  the  Committee  of  Union  and  Progress  over- 
threw the  despotism  of  Abdul  Hamid,  dethroned  him  and  proclaimed 
liberty.    This  committee  set  me  free  from  tyranny  and  oppression ; 
otherwise  I  should  have  been  in  prison  until  the  days  of  my  life 
were  ended.    The  purport  is  this,  that  Baha  'Ullah  in  prison  was 
able  to  proclaim  and  establish  the  foundations  of  peace,  although 
two  despotic  kings  were  his  enemies  and  oppressors.   The  king  of 
Persia,  Nasr-ed-Din-Shah  had  killed  twenty  thousand  Bahais,  mar- 
tyrs who  in  absolute  severance  and  complete  willingness  offered 
their  lives  joyfully  for  their  faith.    These  two  powerful  and  tyran- 
nical kings  could  not  withstand  a  prisoner;  this  prisoner  upheld 
the  standard  of  humanity  and  brought  the  people  of  the  Orient  into 
agreement  and  unity.    Today  in  the  east,  only  those  who  have  not 
followed  Baha  'Ullah  are  in  opposition  and  enmity.     The  people 
of  the  nations  who  have  accepted  him  as  the  standard  of  divine 
guidance  enjoy  a  condition  of  actual  fellowship  and  love.    If  you 
should  attend  a  meeting  in  the  east  you  could  not  distinguish 
between  Christian  and  Mussulman ;  you  would  not  know  which  was 
Jew,  Zoroastrian  or  Buddhist,  so  completely  have  they  become 
fraternized  and  their  religious  differences  been  leveled.    They  asso- 
ciate in  the  utmost  love  and  spiritual  fragrance  as  if  they  belonged 
to  one  family,  as  if  they  were  one  people. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  199 

IX 

June  17,  1913,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York 

Notes  by  Emma  C.  Melick 

WE  should  all  visit  the  sick.  When  they  are  in  sorrow  and 
suffering  it  is  a  real  help  and  benefit  to  have  a  friend 
come.  Happiness  is  a  great  healer  to  those  who  are  ill.  In  the 
east  it  is  the  custom  to  call  upon  the  patient  often  and  meet  him 
individually.  The  people  in  the  east  show  the  utmost  kindness  and 
compassion  to  the  sick  and  suffering.  This  has  greater  effect  than 
the  remedy  itself.  You  must  always  have  this  thought  of  love  and 
affection  when  you  visit  the  ailing  and  afflicted. 

The  world  of  humanity  may  be  likened  to  the  individual  man 
himself ;  it  has  its  illness  and  ailments.  A  patient  must  be  diagnosed 
by  a  skilful  physician.  The  prophets  of  God  are  the  real 
physicians.  In  whatever  age  or  time  they  appear  they  pre- 
scribe for  human  conditions.  They  know  the  sicknesses;  they 
discover  the  hidden  sources  of  disease  and  indicate  the  necessary 
remedy.  Whosoever  is  healed  by  that  remedy  finds  eternal  health. 
For  instance,  in  the  day  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  the  world 
of  humanity  was  afflicted  with  various  ailments.  His  Holiness 
Jesus  Christ  was  the  real  physician.  He  appeared,  recognized  the 
symptoms  and  prescribed  the  real  remedy.  What  was  that  remedy  ? 
It  was  his  revealed  teaching  especially  applicable  to  that  age.  Later 
on  many  new  ailments  and  disorders  appeared  in  the  body-politic. 
The  world  became  sick,  other  severe  maladies  appeared,  especially 
in  the  peninsula  of  Arabia.  God  manifested  His  Holiness  JMoham- 
med  there.  He  came  and  prescribed  for  the  conditions  so  that  the 
Arabs  became  healthy,  strong  and  virile  in  that  time. 

In  this  present  age  the  world  of  humanity  is  afflicted  with 
severe  sicknesses  and  grave  disorders  which  threaten  death.  Tliere- 
fore  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullaii  has  appeared.  He  is  the  real 
physician  bringing  divine  remedy  and  healing  to  the  world  of 
man.  He  has  brought  teachings  for  all  ailments,  the  Hidden 
Words,  Ishrakhat,  Tarazat,  Tajalleyat,  Words  of  Paradise, 
Glad-Tidings,  etc.,  etc.  These  holy  words  and  teachings 
are  the  remedy  for  the  body-politic,  the  divine  prescription 
and  real  cure  for  the  disorders  which  afflict  the  world.  Therefore 
we  must  accept  and  partake  of  this  healing  remedy  in  order  that 
complete  recovery  may  be  assured.  Every  soul  who  lives  according 
to  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullaii  is  free  from  the  ailments  and 
indispositions  which  prevail  throughout  the  world  of  humanity; 


200     THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

otherwise  selfish  disorders,  intellectual  maladies,  spiritual  sick- 
nesses, imperfections  and  vices  will  surround  him  and  he  will  not 
receive  the  life-giving  bounties  of  God. 

Baha  'Ullah  is  the  real  physician.  He  has  diagnosed  human 
conditions  and  indicated  the  necessary  treatment.  The  essential 
principles  of  his  healing  remedies  are  the  knowledge  and  love  of 
God,  severance  from  all  else  save  God,  turning  our  faces  in  sincerity 
toward  the  kingdom  of  God,  implicit  faith,  firmness  and  fidelity, 
loving-kindness  toward  all  creatures  and  the  acquisition  of  the 
divine  virtues  indicated  for  the  human  world.  These  are  the  fun- 
damental principles  of  progress,  civilization,  international  peace 
and  the  unity  of  mankind.  These  are  the  essentials  of  Baha 
'Ullah 's  teachings,  the  secret  of  everlasting  health,  the  remedy  and 
healing  for  man. 

It  is  my  hope  that  you  may  assist  in  healing  the  sick  body  of 
the  world  through  these  teachings,  so  that  eternal  radiance  may 
illumine  all  the  nations  of  mankind. 


X 

June  18,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Emma  C.  Melick 

NO  matter  how  much  the  world  of  humanity  advances  in  material 
civilization  it  is  nevertheless  in  need  of  the  spiritual  develop- 
ment mentioned  in  the  gospel.  The  virtues  of  the  material  world 
are  limited  whereas  divine  virtues  are  unlimited.  Inasmuch  as 
material  virtues  are  limited,  man's  need  of  the  perfections  of  the 
divine  world  is  unlimited. 

Throughout  human  history  we  find  that  although  the  very  apex 
of  human  virtues  has  been  reached  at  various  times  yet  they  were 
limited  whereas  divine  attainments  have  ever  been  unbounded  and 
infinite.  The  limited  is  ever  in  need  of  the  unlimited.  The  ma- 
terial must  be  correlated  with  the  spiritual.  The  material  may  be 
likened  to  the  body  but  divine  virtues  are  the  breathings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  itself.  The  body  without  spirit  is  not  capable  of  real 
accomplishment.  Although  it  may  be  in  the  utmost  condition  of 
beauty  and  excellence  it  is  nevertheless  in  need  of  the  spirit.  The 
chimney  of  the  lamp,  no  matter  how  polished  and  perfect  it  be,  is 
in  need  of  the  light.  Without  the  light,  the  lamp  or  candle  is  not 
illuminating.  Without  the  spirit,  the  body  is  not  productive.  The 
teacher  of  material  principles  is  limited.  The  philosophers  who 
claimed  to  be  the  educators  of  mankind  were  at  most  only  able  to 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  201 

train  themselves.  If  they  educated  others  it  was  within  a  restricted 
circle;  they  failed  to  bestow  general  education  and  development. 
This  has  been  conferred  upon  humanity  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

For  example,  His  Holiness  Christ  educated  and  developed  man- 
kind universally.  He  rescued  nations  and  peoples  from  the  bondage 
of  superstition  and  idolatry.  He  summoned  them  all  to  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  oneness  of  God.  They  were  dark,  they  became  illu- 
mined; they  were  material,  they  became  spiritual;  earthly  they 
were,  they  became  heavenly.  He  enlightened  the  world  of  morality. 
This  general,  universal  development  is  not  possible  through  the 
power  of  philosophy.  It  is  only  attainable  through  the  pervading 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Therefore  no  matter  how  far  the 
world  of  humanity  advances,  it  fails  to  attain  the  highest  degree 
unless  quickened  by  the  education  and  divine  bestowals  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.     This  insures  human  progress  and  prosperity. 

Therefore  I  exhort  you  to  be  devoted  to  your  spiritual  develop- 
ment. Just  as  you  have  striven  along  material  lines  and  have 
attained  to  high  degrees  of  worldly  advancement,  may  you  like- 
wise become  strengthened  and  proficient  in  the  knowledge  of  God. 
May  divine  susceptibilities  be  increased  and  awakened;  may  your 
devotion  to  the  heavenly  kingdom  become  intense.  May  you  be 
the  recipients  of  the  impulses  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  assisted  in  the 
world  of  morality  and  attain  ideal  power,  so  that  the  sublimity 
of  the  world  of  mankind  may  become  apparent  in  you.  Thus  may 
you  attain  the  highest  happiness,  the  life  eternal,  the  glory  ever- 
lasting, the  second  birth,  and  become  manifestations  of  the  bestowals 
of  God. 


XI 

June  20,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  Neiv  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

I  AM  about  to  leave  the  city  for  a  few  days  rest  at  Montclair. 
When  I  return  it  is  my  wish  to  give  a  large  feast  of  unity.  A 
place  for  it  has  not  yet  been  found.  It  must  be  outdoors  under  the 
trees,  in  some  location  away  from  city  noise ;  like  a  Persian  garden. 
The  food  will  be  Persian  food.  When  the  place  is  arranged  all  will 
be  informed  and  we  will  have  a  general  meeting  in  which  hearts 
will  be  bound  together,  spirits  blended  and  a  new  foundation  for 
unity  established.  All  the  friends  will  come.  They  will  be  my 
guests.    They  will  be  as  the  parts  and  members  of  one  body.    The 


202      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

spirit  of  life  manifest  in  that  body  will  be  one  spirit.  The  founda- 
tion of  that  temple  of  unity  will  be  one  foundation.  Each  will  be 
a  stone  in  that  foundation,  solid  and  interdependent.  Each  will 
be  as  a  leaf,  blossom  or  fruit  upon  one  tree.  For  the  sake  of  fellow- 
ship and  unity  I  desire  this  feast  and  spiritual  gathering. 

Whatsoever  is  conducive  to  unity  is  merciful  and  from  the 
divine  bounty  itself.  Every  universal  affair  is  divine.  Everything 
which  conduces  to  separation  and  estrangement  is  satanic  because 
it  emanates  from  the  purposes  of  self.  Consider  how  clearly  it  is 
shown  in  creation  that  the  cause  of  existence  is  unity  and  cohesion 
and  the  cause  of  non-existence  is  separation  and  dissension.  By  a 
divine  power  of  creation  the  elements  assemble  together  in  affinity 
and  the  result  is  a  composite  being.  Certain  of  these  elements 
have  united  and  man  has  come  into  existence.  Certain  other  com- 
binations produce  plants  and  animals.  Therefore  this  affinity  of 
the  inanimate  elements  is  the  cause  of  life  and  being.  Through 
their  commingling  therefore  human  affinity,  love  and  fellowship  are 
made  possible.  If  the  elements  were  not  assembled  together  in 
affinity  to  produce  the  body  of  man,  the  higher  intelligent  forces 
could  not  be  manifest  in  the  body.  But  when  these  elements  sep- 
arate, when  their  affinity  and  cohesion  are  overcome,  death  and 
dissolution  of  the  body  they  have  builded,  inevitably  follow.  There- 
fore affinity  and  unity  among  even  these  material  elements  mean 
life  in  the  body  of  man  and  their  discord  and  disagreement  mean 
death.  Throughout  all  creation,  in  all  the  kingdoms,  this  law  is 
written,  that  love  and  affinity  are  the  cause  of  life,  and  discord  and 
separation  are  the  cause  of  death. 

Consider  the  bodies  of  all  the  natural  organisms.  Certain  ele- 
ments have  gathered  and  combine  in  chemical  affinity.  The  tree, 
the  man,  the  fish  are  due  to  this  attraction  and  cohesion  which  have 
brought  the  elements  together.  A  composition  or  composite  being 
has  resulted.  The  outcome  of  certain  atomic  grouping  for  instance, 
is  a  mirror,  table  or  clock,  because  a  cohesive  power  has  magnetized 
and  bound  these  atoms  together.  When  that  attracting  power  is 
withdrawn,  dissolution  and  disintegration  follow;  no  mirror,  table 
or  clock  remain,  no  trace,  no  existence.  Therefore  commingling 
of  the  atoms  brings  forth  a  reality,  while  dispersion  or  dissemina- 
tion of  them  is  equivalent  to  non-existence. 

Study  the  law  of  affinity  among  the  domestic  animals.  They 
manifest  fellowship ;  they  live  in  flocks  and  herds ;  the  love  of  asso- 
ciation is  evident  among  them.  Among  birds  we  see  evidences  of 
instinctive  fellowship  and  love.  But  the  ferocious  animals  and 
birds  of  prey  are  just  the  reverse  of  the  domestic.    Sheep,  cows  and 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  203 

horses  graze  together  in  concord  and  agreement  but  ferocious  ani- 
mals are  never  seen  associating  in  love  and  fellowship.  Each  lives 
solitary  and  alone  or  with  a  single  mate.  When  they  see  each  other 
they  manifest  the  utmost  ferocity.  Dogs  pounce  upon  dogs ;  wolves, 
tigers,  lions  rage,  snarl  and  fight  to  the  death.  Their  ferocity  is 
instinctive.  There  is  a  creative  reason  for  it.  Birds  of  prey,  like 
eagles  and  hawks  live  solitary  and  build  their  nests  apart,  but  doves 
fly  in  flocks  and  nest  in  the  same  branches.  AVhen  an  eagle  meets 
another  eagle  there  is  a  furious  battle.  The  meeting  of  two  doves 
is  a  peace  meeting.  Therefore  it  is  evident  that  these  blessed  char- 
acteristics as  well  as  the  reverse  are  found  among  the  creatures  of 
a  lower  kingdom. 

The  great  mass  of  humanity  does  not  exercise  real  love  and  fel- 
lowship.   The  elect  of  humanity  are  those  who  live  together  in  love 
and  unity.     They  are  preferable  before  God  because  the  divine 
attributes  are  already  manifest  in  them.     The  supreme  love  and 
unity  is  witnessed  in  the  divine  manifestations.    Among  them  unity 
is  indissoluble,  changeless,  eternal  and  everlasting.     Each  one  is 
expressive  and  representative  of  all.    If  we  deny  one  of  the  mani- 
festations of  God  we  deny  all.    To  inflict  persecution  upon  one  is 
to  persecute  the  others.    In  all  degrees  of  existence  each  one  praises 
and  sanctifies  the  others.   Each  of  them  holds  to  the  solidarity  of 
mankind  and  promotes  the  unity  of  human  hearts.     Next  to  the 
divine  manifestations  come  the  believers  whose  characteristics  are 
agreement,   fellowship  and  love.        The  Bahai  friends  in  Persia 
attained  such  a  brotherhood  and  love  that  it  really  became  a  hin- 
drance in  the  conduct  of  material  affairs.     Each  one,  into  whatever 
house  of  the  friends  he  went  considered  himself  the  owner  of  the 
house,  so  to  speak.    There  was  no  duality  but  complete  mutuality 
of  interests  and  love.    The  visiting  friend  would  have  no  hesitation 
in  opening  the  provision  box  and  taking  out  enough  food  for  his 
needs.    They  wore  each  others  clothes  as  their  own  when  necessary. 
If  in  need  of  a  hat  or  cloak  they  would  take  and  use  it.    The  owner 
of  the  clothing  would  be  thankful  and  grateful  that  the  garment  had 
gone.   When  he  returned  home  he  would  perhaps  be  told  "So  and 
so  was  here  and  took  away  your  coat."   He  would  reply  "Praise 
be  to  God!    I  am  so  grateful  to  him.   Praise  be  to  God!    I  am  so 
thankful  I  have  been  given  this  opportunity  of  showing  my  love 
for  him."   To  such  an  extreme  degree  this  love  and  fellowship  ex- 
pressed itself  that  Baha  'Ullah  commanded  no  one  should  take 
possession   of  another's   belongings   unless   presented   with   them. 
The  intention  is  to  show  to  what  an  extent  unity  and  love  prevailed 
among  the  Bahai  friends  in  the  east. 


204      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

I  hope  that  this  same  degree  and  intensity  of  love  may  become 
manifest  and  apparent  here;  that  the  spirit  of  God  shall  so  pene- 
trate your  hearts  that  each  one  of  the  beloved  of  God  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  all ;  that  each  one  may  become  a  cause  of  unity  and  center 
of  accord;  and  all  mankind  be  bound  together  in  real  fellowship 
and  love. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Baha  delivered  in 
Montclair  and  West  Englewood. 

June  23,  1912,  at  Montclair,  New  Jersey. 

f  Notes  by  Frank  E.  Osborne 

Ahdul  Baha — You  are  always  smiling. 

Mr.  Osborne — Surely  our  faces  should  reflect  happiness  in  this 
presence. 

Ahdul  Baha— Yes!— TJiis  is  the  day  of  Baha  'Ullah;  the  age 
of  the  Blessed  Perfection;  the  cycle  of  the  Greatest  Name.  If  you 
do  not  smile  now,  for  what  time  ivill  you  await  and  what  greater 
happiness  coidd  you  expect?  This  is  the  springtime  of  manifesta- 
tion. The  vernal  shower  has  descended  from  the  cloud  of  divine 
mercy;  the  life-giving  hreeze  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  wafting  the 
perfume  of  blossoms.  From  field  and  meadow  rises  a  fragrant 
breath  of  thanksgiving  like  pure  incense  ascending  to  the  throne 
of  God.  The  world  has  becoyne  a  new  world;  souls  are  quickened, 
spirits  renewed,  refreshed.   Truly  it  is  a  time  for  happiness. 

(To  people  coming  in) 
Welcome!  Welcome!  You  are  very  welcome! 
(The  church  bells  begin  to  ring) 

I  WAS  not  feeling  very  well  this  morning  or  I  would  have  gone 
to  church.  Everywhere  we  hear  the  call  of  the  spiritual  world ; 
in  eveiything  we  behold  the  works  of  God.  The  church  bells  are 
pealing  in  memory  of  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  although  more 
than  nineteen  hundred  years  have  passed  since  he  lived  upon  the 
earth.  This  is  through  the  power  of  the  spirit.  No  material  power 
could  do  this.  Yet  people  in  their  blindness  deny  Christ,  seeking 
to  perpetuate  their  names  in  worldly  deeds.  Everyone  wishes  to 
be  remembered.  Through  earthly  and  material  accomplishments 
one  will  hardly  be  remembered  nine  years,  while  the  memory  and 
gloiy  of  Christ  continue  after  nineteen  hundred  have  passed.  For 
his  name  is  eternal  and  his  glory  everlasting.  Therefore  man 
should  hear  with  attentive  ear  the  call  of  the  spiritual  world,  seek- 
ing fii-st  the  kingdom  of  God  and  its  perfections.  This  is  eternal 
life ;  this  is  everlasting  remembrance. 

How  great  the  difference  between  the  glory  of  Christ  and  the 
glory  of  an  earthly  conqueror!  It  is  related  by  historians  that 
Napoleon  Bonaparte  I  embarked  secretly  by  night  from  Egypt. 

205 


206      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

His  destination  was  France.  During  his  campaign  in  Palestine 
revolution  had  broken  out  and  grave  difficulties  had  arisen  in  the 
home  government.  Christian  worship  had  been  forbidden  by  the 
revolutionists.  The  priests  of  Christianity  had  fled  in  terror. 
France  had  become  atheistic ;  anarchy  prevailed.  The  ship  sailed 
out  into  a  night  brilliant  with  the  light  of  the  moon.  Napoleon 
was  pacing  up  and  down  the  deck.  His  officers  were  sitting  to- 
gether, talking.  One  of  them  spoke  of  the  similarity  between 
Bonaparte  and  Christ.  Napoleon  stopped  and  said  grimly  "Do 
you  think  I  am  going  back  to  France  to  establish  religion  ? ' ' 

His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  established  the  religion  of  God 
through  love.  His  sovereignty  is  everlasting.  Napoleon  overthrew 
governments  in  war  and  bloodshed.  His  dominion  passed  away ; 
he  himself  was  dethroned.  Bonaparte  destroyed  human  life; 
Christ  was  a  saviour.  Bonaparte  controlled  the  physical  bodies  of 
men;  Christ  was  a  conqueror  of  human  hearts.  None  of  the 
prophets  of  God  were  famous  men  but  they  were  unique  in  spiritual 
power.  Love  is  the  eternal  sovereignty.  Love  is  the  divine  power. 
By  it  all  the  kings  of  earth  are  overthrown  and  conquered.  What 
evidence  of  this  could  be  greater  than  the  accomplishment  of 
Baha  'Ullah  ?  He  appeared  in  the  east  and  was  exiled.  He  was 
sent  to  the  prison  of  Akka  in  Palestine.  Two  powerful  despotic 
kings  arose  against  him.  During  his  exile  and  imprisonment  he 
wrote  tablets  of  authority  to  the  kings  and  rulers  of  the  world, 
announcing  his  spiritual  sovereignty,  establishing  the  religion  of 
God,  upraising  the  heavenly  banners  of  the  cause  of  God.  One  of 
these  tablets  was  sent  to  Napoleon  III,  emperor  of  France.  He 
received  it  with  contempt  and  cast  it  behind  his  back.  Baha  'Ullah 
addressed  a  second  tablet  to  him  containing  these  words  "Hadst 
thou  spoken  truly  concerning  the  wronging  of  the  servants  of  God 
(during  the  Crimean  War),  thou  wouldst  not  have  cast  the  book 
of  God  behind  thy  back  when  it  was  sent  unto  thee.  Verily  we 
tested  thee  therewith  and  did  not  find  thee  in  the  state  thou  didst 
pretend.  Arise  and  make  reparation.  The  world  shall  perish  and 
what  thou  hast,  but  the  kingdom  remains  to  God.  Because  of  what 
thou  hast  done,  affairs  shall  be  changed  in  thy  kingdom.  Empire 
shall  depart  from  thy  hands  as  a  punishment  for  thy  action.  Thou 
shalt  find  thyself  in  manifest  loss;  thy  glory  shall  pass  away 
unless  thou  takest  hold  of  this  firm  rope.  We  have  seen  humilia- 
tion hastening  after  thee."  All  this  happened  just  as  announced 
by  Baha  'Ullah.  Napoleon  III  was  dethroned  and  exiled.  His 
empire  passed  away  and  became  non-existent  while  the  dominion 
and  sovereignty  of  Baha  'Ullah  the  prisoner  has  become  eternal 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IN  MONTCLAIR  207 

through  the  confirmation  of  God.  This  is  as  evident  as  the  light 
of  the  sun  at  midday  except  to  those  who  are  spiritually  blind. 
If  we  are  afflicted  with  a  cold  we  cannot  inhale  the  delicate  fra- 
grances emanating  from  the  rose-garden  of  the  divine  kingdom. 

In  brief;  the  nations  of  the  world  are  becoming  united  under 
tlie  sovereignty  of  the  divine  kingdom.     The  east  and  the  west  are 
embracing  here  in  love  and  affection  today.     This  is  not  a  com- 
mercial or  political  unity,  but  unity  through  the  love  of  God,     We 
have  crossed  the  sea  to  spread  that  love  in  America ;  to  announce 
the  call  of  the  kingdom ;  to  establish  the  spiritual  foundations  of 
international  peace.    Although  men  may  arise  against  the  kingdom, 
the  dominion  and  sovereignty  of  God  will  be  set  up.     It  is  an 
eternal  kingdom,  a  divine  sovereignty.     In  his  day   Christ  was 
called  satan,  beclzebub,  but  hear  the  bells  now  ringing  for  him ! 
He  was  the  Word  of  God  and  not  satan.     They  mocked  him,  led 
him  through  the  city  upon  a  donkey,  crowned  him  with  thorns, 
spat  upon  his  blessed  face  and  crucified  him,  but  he  is  now  with 
God  and  in  God   because  he  was  the  Word  and  not  satan.     Fifty 
years  ago  no  one  would  touch  the  Christian  bible  in  Persia.    Baha 
'Ullah  came  and  asked  "AVhy?"    They  said  "It  is  not  the  Word 
of  God."     He  said  "You  must  read  it  with  understanding  of  its 
meanings,    not    as    those    who    merely    recite    its    words."     Now 
Bahais  all  over  the  east  read  the  bible  and  understand  its  spiritual 
teaching.    Baha  'Ullah  spread  the  cause  of  Christ  and  opened  the 
book  of  the  Christians  and  Jews.     He  removed  the  barriers  of 
"Names."     He  proved  that   all  the  divine  prophets  taught  the 
same  reality  and  that  to  deny  one  is  to  deny  the  others,  for  all  are 
in  perfect  oneness  with  God. 

In  London  some  of  the  Christians  said  we  were  deniers  of  Christ. 
We  say  His  Holiness  the  Christ  is  the  Word  of  God.  We  are 
gathered  here  this  morning  for  his  mention.  The  bells  have  called 
us  together  in  love  and  unity.  This  house  is  the  temple  of  God. 
All  are  welcome!     Very  welcome! 

Question:  How  shall  we  determine  the  truth  or  error  of  certain 
biblical  interpretation,  as  for  instance  the  "higher  criticism"  and 
other  present  day  Christian  teachings? 

Abdul  Baha:  Your  question  is  an  abstruse  and  important  one. 
Complete  answer  to  it  would  require  a  long  time.  I  will  reply  to 
it  briefly.  The  only  true  explainer  of  the  book  of  God  is  the  Holy 
Spirit,  for  no  two  minds  are  alike,  no  two  can  comprehend  alike, 
no  two  can  speak  alike.     That  is  to  say,  from  the  mere  human 


208      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

standpoint  of  interpretation  there  could  be  neither  truth  nor 
agreement. ' ' 

Question:  Do  you  approve  of  the  "new  thought"  in  which  the 
control  of  mind  over  matter  is  the  central  principle? 

Ahdul  Baha:  Philosophy  develops  the  mind.  Christ  and  the 
Word  of  God  are  revealed  through  the  Spirit.  Plato  says  "The 
mental  conclusions  are  so  and  so."  Christ  says  "Be  led  of  the 
Spirit." 

Question:  Should  children  be  allowed  to  read  the  "higher 
criticism ' '  ? 

Abdul  Baha:  They  should  first  be  taught  the  reality  of  re- 
ligion as  a  foundation.  For  instance,  in  the  catholic  church  the 
child  is  taught  that  through  some  act  of  the  priest  the  bread  and 
wine  of  the  sacrament  become  the  flesh  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 
The  mind  cannot  accept  this.  The  child  must  be  taught  that  this 
transformation  is  symbolical  of  the  truth  that  Christ  is  the  food 
from  heaven,  the  eating  of  which  produces  eternal  life.  The  Jews 
had  memorized  the  bible  but  failed  to  grasp  its  meaning's.  If 
they  had  understood  the  spiritual  significances  of  the  scriptures 
they  would  have  been  the  first  believers  in  Christ.  You  are  among 
the  first  believers  in  this  country.  You  are  the  children  of  the 
kingdom.  Baha  'Ullah  has  taught  you  the  reality  of  religion. 
There  are  many  of  the  Bahai  Friends  in  Persia  whom  we  do  not 
know  but  we  know  you  here  in  America.  Turn  your  faces  to  the 
Sun  of  Reality.  That  Sun  has  always  risen  in  the  east.  Find  the 
answer  to  your  questions  in  your  heart.  Be  as  little  children. 
Until  the  soil  is  prepared  it  cannot  receive  the  benefit  of  planting. 

II 

June  29,  1912,  at  West  Englewood,  New  Jersey. 
Unity  Feast,  Outdoors. 

Notes  by  Esther  Foster 

THIS  is  a  delightful  gathering ;  you  have  come  here  with  sincere 
intentions  and  the  purpose  of  all  present  is  the  attainment  of 
the  virtues  of  God.  The  motive  is  attraction  to  the  divine  kingdom. 
Since  the  desire  of  all  is  unity  and  agreement  it  is  certain  that 
this  meeting  will  be  productive  of  great  results.  It  will  be  the 
cause  of  attracting  a  new  bounty  for  we  are  turning  to  the  king- 
dom of  Abha  seeking  the  infinite  bestowals  of  the  Lord.  This  is  a 
new  Day  and  this  hour  is  a  new  Hour  in  which  we  have  come  to- 
gether.    Surely  the  Sun  of  Reality  with  its  full  effulgence  will 


DISCOURSE  DELIVERED  IN  WEST  ENGLEWOOD   209 

illumine  us  and  the  darkness  of  disagreements  will  disappear.  The 
utmost  love  and  unity  will  result,  the  favors  of  God  will  encompass 
us,  the  pathway  of  the  kingdom  will  be  made  easy.  Like  candles 
these  souls  will  become  ignited  and  made  radiant  through  the  lights 
of  supreme  guidance.  Such  gatherings  as  this  have  no  equal  or 
likeness  m  the  world  of  mankind  where  people  are  drawn  together 
by  physical  motives  or  in  furtherance  of  material  interests,  for 
this  meeting  is  a  prototype  of  that  inner  and  complete  spiritual 
association  in  the  eternal  world  of  being. 

True  Bahai  meetings  are  the  mirrors  of  the  kingdom  wherein 
images  of  the  Supreme  Concourse  are  reflected.  In  them  the  lights 
of  the  most  great  guidance  are  visible.  They  voice  the  summons 
of  the  heavenly  kingdom  and  echo  the  call  of  the  angelic  hosts  to 
every  listening  ear.  The  etificacy  of  such  meetings  as  these  is  per- 
manent throughout  the  ages.  This  assembly  has  a  name  and  sig- 
nificance which  will  last  forever.  Hundreds  of  thousands  of  meet- 
ings shall  be  held  to  commemorate  this  occasion  and  the  very  words 
I  speak  to  you  today  shall  be  repeated  in  them  for  ages  to  come. 
Therefore  be  ye  rejoiced  for  ye  are  sheltered  beneath  the  provi- 
dence of  God.  Be  happy  and  joyous  because  the  bestowals  of  God 
are  intended  for  you  and  the  life  of  the  Holy  Spirit  is  breathing 
upon  you. 

Rejoice,  for  the  heavenly  table  is  prepared  for  you. 
Rejoice,  for  the  angels  of  heaven  are  your  assistants  and  helpers. 
Rejoice,  for  the  glance  of  the  Blessed  Beauty  Baha  'Ullah   is 
directed  upon  you. 

Rejoice,  for  Baha  'Ullah  is  your  protector. 

Rejoice,  for  the  glory  everlasting  is  destined  for  you. 

Rejoice,  for  the  life  eternal  is  awaiting  you. 

How  many  blessed  souls  have  longed  for  this  radiant  century 
their  utmost  hopes  and  desires  centered  upon  the  happiness  and 
joy  of  one  such  day  as  this.  Many  the  nights  they  passed  sleep- 
less and  lamenting  until  the  very  mom  in  longing  anticipation  of 
this  age,  yearning  to  realize  even  an  hour  of  this  time.  God  has 
favored  you  in  this  century  and  has  specialized  you  for  the  reali- 
zation of  its  blessings.  Therefore  you  must  praise  and  thank  God 
with  heart  and  soul  in  appreciation  of  this  great  opportunity  and 
the  attainment  of  this  infinite  bestowal ;  that  such  doors  have  been 
opened  before  your  faces,  such  abundance  is  pouring  down  from  the 
cloud  of  mercy  and  that  these  refreshing  breezes  from  the  paradise 
of  Abha  are  resuscitating  you.  You  must  become  of  one  heart,  one 
spirit  and  one  susceptibility.     May  you  become  as  the  waves  of 


210      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

one  sea,  stars  of  the  same  heaven,  fruits  adorning  the  same  tree, 
roses  of  one  garden;  in  order  that  through  you  the  oneness  of 
humanity  may  establish  its  temple  in  the  world  of  mankind,  for 
you  are  the  ones  who  are  called  to  uplift  the  cause  of  unity  among 
the  nations  of  the  earth. 

First,  you  must  become  united  and  agreed  among  yourselves. 
You  must  be  exceedingly  kind  and  loving  toward  each  other,  willing 
to  forfeit  life  in  the  pathway  of  another's  happiness.  You  must 
be  ready  to  sacrifice  your  possessions  in  another's  behalf.  The  rich 
among  you  must  show  compassion  toward  the  poor,  and  the  well- 
to-do  must  look  after  those  in  distress.  In  Persia  the  friends  offer 
their  lives  for  each  other,  striving  to  assist  and  advance  the  inter- 
ests and  welfare  of  all  the  rest.  They  live  in  a  perfect  state  of 
unity  and  agreement.  Like  the  Persian  friends  you  must  be  per- 
fectly agreed  and  united  to  the  extent  and  limit  of  sacrificing  life. 
Your  utmost  desire  must  be  to  confer  happiness  upon  each  other. 
Each  one  must  be  the  servant  of  the  others,  thoughtful  of  their 
comfort  and  welfare.  In  the  path  of  God  one  must  forget  himself 
entirely.  He  must  not  consider  his  own  pleasure  but  seek  the  pleas- 
ure of  others.  He  must  not  desire  glory  nor  gifts  of  bounty  for 
himself  but  seek  these  gifts  and  blessings  for  his  brothers  and 
sisters.  It  is  my  hope  that  you  may  become  like  this ;  that  you  may 
attain  to  the  supreme  bestowal  and  be  imbued  with  such  spiritual 
qualities  as  to  forget  yourselves  entirely  and  with  heart  and  soul 
offer  yourselves  as  sacrifices  for  the  Blessed  Perfection.  You  should 
have  neither  will  nor  desire  of  your  own  but  seek  everything  for 
the  beloved  of  God  and  live  together  in  complete  love  and  fellow- 
ship. May  the  favors  of  Baha  'Ullah  surround  you  from  all  direc- 
tions. This  is  the  greatest  bestowal  and  supreme  bounty.  These 
are  the  infinite  favors  of  God. 


Discourses  of  Abdul  Balia  delivered 
in  New  York. 

July  1, 1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

WHAT  could  be  better  before  God  than  thinking  of  the  poor? 
For  the  poor  are  beloved  by  our  heavenly  father.  When  His 
Holiness  Christ  came  upon  the  earth  those  who  believed  in  him 
and  followed  him  were  the  poor  and  lowly,  showing  the  poor  were 
near  to  God.  When  a  rich  man  believes  and  follows  the  manifesta- 
tion of  God  it  is  a  proof  that  his  wealth  is  not  an  obstacle  and  does 
not  prevent  him  from  attaining  the  pathway  of  salvation.  After 
he  has  been  tested  and  tried  it  will  be  seen  whether  his  possessions 
are  a  hindrance  in  his  religious  life.  But  the  poor  are  especially 
beloved  of  God,  Their  lives  are  full  of  difficulties,  their  trials  con- 
tinual, their  hopes  are  in  God  alone.  Therefore  you  must  assist  the 
poor  as  much  as  possible,  even  by  sacrifice  of  yourself.  No  deed 
of  man  is  greater  before  God  than  helping  the  poor.  Spiritual 
conditions  are  not  dependent  upon  the  possession  of  worldly  treas- 
ures or  the  absence  of  them.  When  physically  destitute,  spiritual 
thoughts  are  more  likely.  Poverty  is  stimulus  toward  God.  Each 
one  of  you  must  have  great  consideration  for  the  poor  and  render 
them  assistance.  Organize  in  an  effort  to  help  them  and  prevent 
increase  of  poverty.  The  greatest  means  for  prevention  is  that 
whereby  the  laws  of  the  community  will  be  so  framed  and  enacted 
that  it  will  not  be  possible  for  a  few  to  be  millionaires  and  many 
destitute.  One  of  Baha  'Ullah's  teachings  is  the  adjustment  of 
means  of  livelihood  in  human  society.  Under  this  adjustment  there 
can  be  no  extremes  in  human  conditions  as  regards  wealth  and 
sustenance.  For  the  community  needs  financier,  farmer,  merchant 
and  laborer  just  as  an  army  must  be  composed  of  commander, 
officers  and  privates.  All  cannot  be  commanders;  all  cannot  be 
officers  or  privates.  Each  in  his  station  in  the  social  fabric  must  be 
competent;  each  in  his  function  according  to  ability;  but  justness 
of  opportunity  for  all. 

Lycurgus  king  of  Sparta  who  lived  long  before  the  day  of 
Christ  conceived  the  idea  of  absolute  equality  in  government.  He 
proclaimed  laws  by  which  all  the  people  of  Sparta  were  classified 
into  certain  divisions.  Each  division  had  its  separate  rights  and 
function.    First,  farmers  and  tillers  of  the  soil.    Second,  artisans 

211 


212      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

and  merchants.  Third,  leaders  or  grandees.  Under  the  laws  of 
Lycurgus  the  latter  were  not  required  to  engage  in  any  labor  or 
vocation  but  it  was  incumbent  upon  them  to  defend  the  country  in 
case  of  war  and  invasion.  Then  he  divided  Sparta  into  nine 
thousand  equal  parts  or  provinces,  appointing  nine  thousand  lead- 
ers or  grandees  to  protect  them.  In  this  way  the  farmers  of  each 
province  were  assured  of  protection  but  each  farmer  was  compelled 
to  pay  a  tax  to  support  the  grandee  of  that  province.  The  farmers 
and  merchants  were  not  obliged  to  defend  the  country.  In  lieu  of 
labor  the  grandees  received  the  taxes.  Lycurgus  in  order  to  estab- 
lish this  forever  as  a  law,  brought  nine  thousand  grandees  together, 
told  them  he  was  going  upon  a  long  journey  and  wished  this  form 
of  government  to  remain  effective  until  his  return.  They  swore  an 
oath  to  protect  and  preserve  his  law.  He  then  left  his  kingdom, 
went  into  voluntary  exile  and  never  came  back.  No  man  ever  made 
such  a  sacrifice  to  insure  equality  among  his  fellowmen.  A  few 
years  passed  and  the  whole  system  of  government  he  had  founded 
collapsed,  although  established  upon  such  a  just  and  wise  basis. 

Difference  of  capacity  in  human  individuals  is  fundamental. 
It  is  impossible  for  all  to  be  alike,  all  to  be  equal,  all  to  be  wise. 
Baha  'Ullah  has  revealed  principles  and  laws  which  will  accom- 
plish the  adjustment  of  varying  human  capacities.  He  has  said  that 
whatsoever  is  possible  of  accomplishment  in  human  government  will 
be  effected  through  these  principles.  When  the  laws  he  has  insti- 
tuted are  carried  out  there  will  be  no  millionaires  possible  in  the 
community  and  likewise  no  extremely  poor.  This  will  be  effected 
and  regulated  by  adjusting  the  different  degrees  of  human  capacity. 
The  fundamental  basis  of  the  community  is  agriculture,  tillage  of 
the  soil.  All  must  be  producers.  Each  person  in  the  community 
whose  income  is  equal  to  his  individual  producing  capacity  shall  l)e 
exempt  from  taxation.  But  if  his  income  is  greater  than  his  needs 
he  must  pay  a  tax  until  an  adjustment  is  effected.  That  is  to  say, 
a  man's  capacity  for  production  and  his  needs  will  be  equalized 
and  reconciled  through  taxation.  If  his  production  exceeds  he  will 
pay  no  tax ;  if  his  necessities  exceed  his  production  he  shall  receive 
an  amount  sufficient  to  equalize  or  adjust.  Therefore  taxation  will 
be  proportionate  to  capacity  and  production  and  there  will  be  no 
poor  in  the  community. 

Baha  'Ullah  likewise  commanded  the  rich  to  give  freely  to  the 
poor.  In  the  Kitab-el-Akdas  it  is  further  written  by  him  that  those 
who  have  a  certain  amount  of  income  must  give  one-fifth  of  it  to 
God   the  creator  of  heaven  and  earth. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IX  NEW  YORK  213 

II 

July  1, 1912,  at  309  \Yest  78th  Street,  New  York. 

From  Stenographic  Notes 

I  DESIRE  to  make  manifest  among  the  friends  in  America  a  new 
light  that  they  may  become  a  new  people,  that  a  new  foundation 
may  be  established  and  complete  harmony  be  realized ;  for  the 
foundation  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  love.  When  you  go  to  Green  Acre 
you  must  have  infinite  love  for  each  other,  each  preferring  the 
other  before  himself.  The  people  must  be  so  attracted  to  you  that 
they  will  exclaim  "What  happiness  exists  among  you!"  and  will 
see  in  your  faces  the  lights  of  the  kingdom;  then  in  wonderment 
they  will  turn  to  you  and  seek  the  cause  of  your  happiness.  You 
must  give  the  message  through  action  and  deed,  not  alone  by  word. 
Word  must  be  conjoined  with  deed.  You  must  love  your  friend 
better  than  yourself ;  yes  be  willing  to  sacrifice  yourself.  The  cause 
of  Baha  'Ullah  has  not  yet  appeared  in  this  country.  I  desire  that 
you  be  ready  to  sacrifice  everything  for  each  other,  even  life  itself ; 
then  I  will  know  that  the  cause  of  Baha  'Ullah  has  been  estab- 
lished. I  will  pray  for  you  that  you  may  become  the  cause  of 
upraising  the  lights  of  God.  May  everyone  point  to  you  and  ask 
"Why  are  these  people  so  happy?"  I  want  you  to  be  happy  in 
Green  Acre,  to  laugh,  smile  and  rejoice  in  order  that  others  may 
be  made  happy  by  you.     I  will  pray  for  you. 

Ill 

July  5, 1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

Question:  "You  have  stated  that  'we  are  living  in  a  universal 
cycle  the  first  manifestation  of  which  was  Adam  and  the  universal 
manifestation  of  which  is  Baha  'Ullah.  '  Does  this  imply  that 
other  universal  cycles  preceded  this  one  and  that  all  traces  of  them 
have  been  effaced;  cycles  in  which  the  ultimate  purpose  was  the 
divine  spiritualization  of  man  just  as  it  is  the  creative  intention 
in  this  one?" 

THE  divine  sovereignty  is  an  ancient  sovereignty   not  an  acci- 
dental sovereignty. 
If  we  imagine  this  world  of  existence  has  a  beginning  we  can 
say  the  divine  sovereignty  is  accidental,  that  is  there  was  a  time 
when  it  did  not  exist.    A  king  without  a  kingdom  is  impossible.  He 
cannot  be  without  a  country,  without  subjects,  without  an  army. 


214      THE  PRO^iULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

without  dominion,  or  he  would  be  without  kingship.  All  these  exi- 
gencies or  requirements  of  sovereignty  must  exist  for  a  king.  When 
they  do  exist  we  can  apply  the  word  sovereignty  to  him.  Otherwise 
his  sovereignty  is  imperfect,  incomplete.  If  none  of  these  condi- 
tions exist,  sovereignty  does  not  exist. 

If  we  acknowledge  there  is  a  beginning  for  this  world  of  creation, 
we  acknowledge  the  sovereignty  of  God  is  accidental;  that  is,  we 
admit  a  time  when  the  reality  of  divinity  has  been  without  domin- 
ion (lit.  "defeated").  The  names  and  attributes  of  divinity  are 
requirements  of  this  world.  The  names  "powerful,"  the  "living," 
the  ' '  provider, ' '  the  ' '  creator, ' '  require  and  necessitate  the  existence 
of  creatures.  If  there  were  no  creatures  ' '  creator ' '  would  be  mean- 
ingless. If  there  were  none  to  provide  for,  we  could  not  think  of 
the  "provider."  If  there  were  no  life,  the  "living"  would  be 
beyond  the  power  of  conception.  Therefore  all  the  names  and 
attributes  of  God  require  the  existence  of  ob,iects  or  creatures  upon 
which  they  have  been  bestowed  and  in  w^hich  they  have  become 
manifest.  If  there  was  a  time  when  no  creation  existed,  when  there 
was  none  to  provide  for,  it  would  imply  a  time  when  there  was  no 
existent  one,  no  trainer,  and  the  attributes  and  qualities  of  God 
would  have  been  meaningless  and  without  significance.  Therefore 
the  requirements  of  the  attributes  of  God  do  not  admit  of  cessa- 
tion or  interruption,  for  the  names  of  God  are  actually  and  forever 
existing  and  not  potential.  Because  they  convey  life  they  are 
called  life-giving;  because  they  provide  they  are  called  bountiful, 
the  provider;  because  they  create  they  are  called  creator;  because 
they  educate  and  govern,  the  name  Lord  God  is  applied.  That 
is  to  say,  the  divine  names  emanate  from  the  eternal  attributes  of 
divinity.  Therefore  it  is  proved  that  the  divine  names  presuppose 
the  existence  of  objects  or  beings. 

How  then  is  a  time  conceivable  when  this  sovereignty  has  not 
been  existent  ?  This  divine  sovereignty  is  not  to  be  measured  by  six 
thousand  years.  This  interminable,  illimitable  universe  is  not  the 
result  of  that  measured  period.  This  stupendous  laboratory  and 
workshop  has  not  been  limited  to  six  thousand  revolutions  of  the 
earth  about  the  sun,  in  its  production.  With  the  slightest  reflection 
man  can  be  assured  that  this  calculation  and  announcement  is 
childish,  especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  it  is  scientifically  proved 
the  terrestrial  globe  has  been  the  habitation  of  man  long  prior  to 
such  limited  estimate. 

As  to  the  record  in  the  bible  concerning  His  Holiness  Adam  en- 
tering paradise,  eating  from  the  tree  and  his  expulsion  through  the 
temptation  of  satan,  these  are  all  symbols  beneath  which  there  are 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  215 

wonderful  and  divine  meanings  not  to  be  calculated  in  years, 
dates  and  measurement  of  time.  Likewise  the  statement  that  God 
created  the  heaven  and  the  earth  in  six  days  is  symbolic.  We  will 
not  explain  this  further  today.  The  texts  of  the  holy  books  are  all 
symbolical    needing  authoritative  interpretation. 

When  man  casts  even  a  cursory  glance  of  reflection  upon  the 
question  of  the  universe,  he  discovers  it  is  very  ancient.    A  Persian 
philosopher  was  looking  up  into  the  heavens,  lost  in  wonder.     He 
said  "I  have  written  a  book  containing  seventy  proofs  of  the  acci- 
dental appearance  of  the  universe,  but  I  still  find  it  very  ancient." 
Bah  A  'Ullah  says  "the  universe  hath  neither  beginning  nor 
ending."     He  has  set  aside  the  elaborate  theories  and  exhaustive 
opinions  of  scientists  and  material  philosophers  by  the  simple  state- 
ment "There  is  no  beginning,  no  ending."    The  theologians  and 
religionists  advance  plausible  proofs  that  the  creation  of  the  uni- 
verse dates  back  six  thousand  years;  the  scientists  bring  forth  in- 
disputable facts  and  say  "No!  these  evidences  indicate  ten,  twenty, 
fifty  thousand  years  ago,"  etc.,  etc.    There  are  endless  discussions 
pro  and  con.     Baha  'Ullah  sets  aside  these  discussions  by  one 
word  and  statement.    He  says  "The  divine  sovereignty  hath  no 
beginning  and  no  ending. ' '    By  this  announcement  and  its  demon- 
stration he  has  established  a  standard  of  agreement  among  those 
who  reflect  upon  this  question  of  divine  sovereignty ;  brought  recon- 
ciliation and  peace  in  this  war  of  opinion  and  discussion. 

Briefly,  there  were  many  universal  cycles  preceding  this  one 
in  which  we  are  living.  They  were  consummated,  completed  and 
their  traces  obliterated.  The  divine  and  creative  purpose  in  them 
was  the  evolution  of  spiritual  man,  just  as  it  is  in  this  cycle.  The 
circle  of  existence  is  the  same  circle;  it  returns.  The  tree  of  life 
has  ever  borne  the  same  heavenly  fruit. 


IV 

July  5,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Emma  C.  Melick  and  Howard  MacNutt 

YOU  are  very  welcome,  very  welcome,  all  of  you !  In  the  divine 
holy  books  there  are  unmistakable  prophecies  giving  the  glad- 
tidings  of  a  certain  Day  in  which  the  promised  one  of  all  the  books 
would  appear,  a  radiant  dispensation  be  established,  the  banner  of 
the  "Most  Great  Peace"  and  conciliation  be  hoisted  and  the  one- 
ness of  the  world  of  humanity  proclaimed.  Among  the  various 
nations  and  peoples  of  the  world  no  enmity  or  hatred  should  remain. 


216      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

All  hearts  were  to  be  connected  one  with  another.  These  things  are 
recorded  in  the  torah  or  old  testament,  in  the  gospel,  the  koran, 
the  zend-avesta,  the  books  of  Buddha  and  the  book  of  Confucius. 
In  brief,  all  the  holy  books  contain  these  glad-tidings.  They  an- 
nounce that  after  the  world  is  surrounded  by  darkness,  radiance 
shall  appear.  For  just  as  the  night  when  it  becomes  excessively 
dark  precedes  the  dawn  of  a  new  day,  so  likewise  when  the  dark- 
ness of  religious  apathy  and  heedlessness  overtakes  the  world,  when 
human  souls  become  negligent  of  God,  when  materialistic  ideas 
overshadow  spirituality,  when  nations  become  submerged  in  the 
world  of  matter  and  forget  God,  at  such  a  time  as  this  shall  the 
divine  Sun  shine  forth  and  the  radiant  mom  appear. 

Consider  to  what  a  remarkable  extent  the  spirituality  of  people 
has  been  overcome  by  materialism,  so  that  spiritual  susceptibility 
seems  to  have  vanished,  divine  civilization  become  decadent,  and 
guidance  and  knowledge  of  God  no  longer  remain.  All  are  sub- 
merged in  the  sea  of  materialism.  Although  some  attend  churches 
and  temples  of  worship  and  devotion,  it  is  in  accordance  with  the 
traditions  and  imitations  of  their  fathers  and  not  for  the  investiga- 
tion of  reality.  For  it  is  evident  they  have  not  found  the  reality 
and  are  not  engaged  in  its  adoration.  They  are  holding  to  certain 
imitations  which  have  descended  to  them  from  their  fathers  and 
ancestors.  They  have  become  accustomed  to  passing  a  certain 
length  of  time  in  temple  worship  and  conforming  to  imitations  and 
ceremonies.  The  proof  of  this  is  that  the  son  of  every  Jewish 
father  becomes  a  Jew  and  not  a  Christian;  the  son  of  eveiy  Mo- 
hammedan becomes  a  follower  of  Islam ;  the  son  of  every  Christian 
proves  to  be  a  Christian ;  the  son  of  every  Zoroastrian  is  a  Zoroas- 
trian,  etc.,  etc.  Therefore  religious  faith  and  belief  is  merely  a 
remnant  of  blind  imitations  which  have  descended  through  fathers 
and  ancestors.  Because  this  man's  father  was  a  Jew  he  considers 
himself  a  Jew ;  not  that  he  has  investigated  the  reality  and  proved 
satisfactorily  to  himself  that  Judaism  is  right;  nay,  rather,  he  is 
aware  that  his  forefathers  have  followed  this  course,  therefore  he 
has  held  to  it  himself. 

The  purpose  of  this  is  to  explain  that  the  darkness  of  imitations 
encompasses  the  world.  Every  nation  is  holding  to  its  traditional 
religious  forms.  The  light  of  reality  is  obscured.  Were  these 
various  nations  to  investigate  the  reality,  there  is  no  doubt  they 
would  attain  to  it.  As  reality  is  one,  all  nations  would  then  become 
as  one  nation.  So  long  as  they  adhere  to  various  imitations  and  are 
deprived  of  the  reality,  strife  and  warfare  will  continue  and  rancor 
and  sedition  prevail.    If  they  investigate  the  reality,  neither  enmity 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  217 

nor  rancor  will  remain  and  they  will  attain  to  the  utmost  concord 
among  themselves. 

During  the  years  when  the  darkness  of  heedlessness  was  most 
intense  in  the  Orient  and  the  people  were  so  submerged  in  imita- 
tions that  nations  were  thirsting  for  the  blood  of  each  other,  con- 
sidering each  other  as  contaminated  and  refusing  to  associate;  at 
such  a  time  as  this  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  appeared.    He  arose 
in  the  Orient,  uprooting  the  very  foundations  of  imitations    and 
brought  the  dawn  of  the  light  of  reality.     Through  him  various 
nations  became  united  because  all  desired  the  reality.    Inasmuch 
as  they  investigated  the  reality  in  religion,  they  found  that  all  men 
are  the  servants  of  God,  the  posterity  of  Adam,  children  of  one 
household    and  that  the  foundations  of  all  the  prophets  are  one. 
For  inasmuch  as  the  teachings  of  the  prophets  are  reality    their 
foundations  are  one.     The  enmity  and  strife  of  nations  therefore 
are  due  to  religious  imitations  and  not  the  reality  w'hich  underlies 
the  teachings  of  the  prophets.     Through  Baha  'Ullah  the  nations 
and  peoples  grew  to  understand  and  comprehend  this.     Therefore 
hearts  became  united  and  lives  were  cemented  together.     After 
centuries  of  hatred  and  bitterness  the  Christian,  Jew,  Zoroastrian, 
Mohammedan  and  Buddhist  met  in  fellowship ;  all  of  them  in  the 
utmost  love  and  unity.    They  became  welded  and  cemented  because 
they  had  perceived  the  reality. 

The  divine  prophets  are  conjoined  in  the  perfect  state  of  love. 
Each  one  has  given  the  glad-tidings  of  his  successor's  coming  and 
each  successor  has  sanctioned  the  one  who  preceded  him.  They 
were  in  the  utmost  unity  but  their  followers  are  in  strife.  For 
instance,  Moses  gave  the  message  of  the  glad-tidings  of  Christ  and 
Christ  confirmed  the  prophethood  of  Moses.  Therefore  between 
Moses  and  Jesus  there  is  no  variation  or  conflict.  They  are  in 
perfect  unity  but  between  the  Jew  and  the  Christian  there  is  con- 
flict. Now  therefore  if  the  Christian  and  Jewish  peoples  investigate 
the  reality  underlying  their  prophets'  teachings  they  will  become 
kind  in  their  attitude  toward  each  other  and  associate  in  the  utmost 
love,  for  reality  is  one  and  not  dual  or  multiple.  If  this  investiga- 
tion of  the  reality  becomes  universal  the  divergent  nations  will 
ratify  all  the  divine  prophets  and  confirm  all  the  holy  books.  No 
strife  or  rancor  will  then  remain  and  the  world  will  become  united. 
Then  will  we  associate  in  the  reality  of  love.  We  will  become  as 
fathers  and  sons,  as  brothers  and  sisters  living  together  in  complete 
unity,  love  and  happiness,  for  this  century  is  the  century  of  light. 
It  is  not  like  former  centuries.  Former  centuries  were  epochs  of 
oppression.     Now   human   intellects  have   developed  and   human 


218      THE  PKOMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

intelligence  has  increased.  Each  soul  is  investigating  the  reality. 
This  is  not  a  time  when  we  shall  wage  war  and  be  hostile  toward 
each  other.  We  are  living  at  a  time  when  we  should  enjoy  the 
real  friendship. 

Fifty  years  ago  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  sent  epistles  to  all 
the  kings  and  nations  of  the  world,  at  a  time  when  there  was  no 
mention  of  international  peace.  One  of  these  epistles  was  sent  by 
him  to  the  president  of  the  American  democracy.  In  these  com- 
munications he  summoned  all  to  international  peace  and  the  one- 
ness of  the  human  world.  He  summoned  mankind  to  the  funda- 
mentals of  the  teachings  of  all  the  prophets.  Some  of  the  European 
kings  were  arrogant.  Among  them  was  Napoleon  Bonaparte  III. 
Baha  'Ullah  wrote  a  second  epistle  to  him  which  was  published 
thirty  years  ago.  The  context  is  this:  "O  Napoleon!  thou  hast 
become  haughty  indeed.  Thou  hast  become  proud.  Thou  hast 
forgotten  God.  Thou  dost  imagine  that  this  majesty  is  permanent 
for  thee,  that  this  dominion  is  abiding  for  thee.  A  letter  have  we 
sent  unto  thee  for  acceptance  with  thy  greatest  love;  but  instead 
thou  hast  shown  arrogance.  Therefore  God  shall  uproot  the  edi- 
fice of  thy  sovereignty ;  thy  country  shall  flee  away  from  thee.  Thou 
shalt  find  humiliation  hastening  after  thee  because  thou  didst  not 
arise  for  that  which  was  enjoined  upon  thee,  whereas  that  which 
was  a  duty  incumbent  upon  thee  was  the  cause  of  life  to  the  world. 
The  punishment  of  God  shall  soon  be  dealt  out  to  thee." 

This  epistle  was  revealed  in  the  year  1869  and  after  one  year 
the  foundations  of  the  Napoleonic  sovereignty  were  completely  up- 
rooted. 

Among  these  epistles  was  a  very  lengthy  one  to  the  shah  of 
Persia.  It  was  printed  and  spread  broadcast  throughout  all  the 
countries.  This  epistle  was  revealed  in  the  year  1870.  In  it  Baha 
'Ullah  admonished  the  shah  of  Persia  to  be  kind  to  all  his  subjects, 
summoning  him  to  dispense  justice,  counselling  him  to  make  no 
distinction  between  the  religions,  charging  him  to  deal  equally  with 
Jew,  Christian,  Mohammedan  and  Zoroastrian  and  remove  the 
oppression  prevailing  in  his  country. 

At  that  time  the  Jews  were  greatly  oppressed  in  Persia.  Baha 
'Ullah  especially  recommended  justice  for  them,  saying  that  all 
people  are  the  servants  of  God,  and  in  the  eye  of  the  government 
they  should  be  equally  estimated.  "If  justice  is  not  dealt  out, 
if  these  oppressions  are  not  removed  and  if  thou  dost  not  obey  God, 
the  foundations  of  thy  government  will  be  razed  and  thou  shalt 
become  evanescent,  become  as  nothing.  Thou  shouldst  gather  all 
the  learned  men    and  then  summon  me.     There  I  shall  be  present. 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  219 

I  will  then  advance  proofs  and  evidences  as  to  my  validity.  I  will 
manifest  my  proof  and  anything  that  you  may  ask.  I  am  ready. 
But  if  no  attention  is  paid  to  this  book,  thou,  like  unto  the  kings 
who  became  non-existent  shalt  likewise  become  non-existent."  The 
shah  did  not  answer  this  epistle  of  the  Blessed  Perfection.  Then 
God  destroyed  the  foundations  of  his  sovereignty. 

Among  those  to  whom  Baiia  'Ullah  wrote  was  the  sultan  of 
Turkey.  In  it  he  arraigned  him,  saying  "Verily  thou  didst  in- 
carcerate and  make  me  a  prisoner.  Dost  thou  imagine  that  impris- 
onment is  a  loss  to  me,  that  imprisonment  is  a  humiliation  for  me  ? 
This  imprisonment  is  a  glory  for  me  because  it  is  in  the  pathway 
of  God.  I  have  not  committed  a  crime.  It  is  for  the  sake  of  God 
that  I  have  received  this  ordeal.  Therefore  I  am  veiy  happy ;  I  am 
exceedingly  joyous.  But  thou  must  wait;  God  will  send  thee  a 
punishment;  thou  shalt  receive  retribution.  Ere  long  thou  shalt 
observe  how  ordeals  shall  descend  upon  thee  like  rain  and  thou  shalt 
become  non-existent."    And  even  so  it  was. 

Likewise  he  sent  messages  to  the  other  kings  and  crowned  heads 
of  the  earth,  summoning  all  of  them  to  love,  equity,  international 
peace  and  the  oneness  of  humanity,  in  order  that  mankind  might 
become  unified  and  agreed ;  that  strife,  warfare  and  sedition  should 
pass  away;  that  bitterness  and  enmity  might  cease  and  all  arise 
to  serve  the  one  God. 

In  brief,  two  kings  arose  against  Baha  'Ullah, — the  shah  of 
Persia  and  the  sultan  of  Turkey.  They  imprisoned  His  Holiness 
in  the  fortress  of  Akka  in  order  to  extinguish  his  light  and  ex- 
terminate his  cause.  But  Baha  'Ullah  while  in  prison  wrote 
severe  letters  of  arraignment  to  them.  He  declared  that  imprison- 
ment was  no  obstacle  to  him.  He  said  "This  imprisonment  will 
prove  to  be  the  means  of  the  promotion  of  my  cause.  This  im- 
prisonment shall  be  the  incentive  for  the  spreading  of  my  teachings. 
No  harm  shall  come  to  me  because  I  have  sacrificed  my  life,  I  have 
sacrificed  my  blood,  I  have  sacrificed  my  possessions,  I  have  sacri- 
ficed all  and  for  me  this  imprisonment  is  no  loss."  And  just  as  he 
declared,  so  it  came  to  pass.  In  prison  he  hoisted  his  banner  and 
his  cause  spread  throughout  the  world.  It  has  reached  America. 
Now  the  cause  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  extending  to  all  nations  of  the 
earth.  You  go  to  Asia  and  wherever  you  travel  you  will  find 
Bahais.  You  go  to  Africa,  Europe,  there  you  will  find  the  cause 
of  Baha  'Ullah.  In  America  it  is  just  beginning  to  grow  and 
spread. 

These  two  kings  could   not   do  anything  to  withstand   Baha 
'Ullah    but  God    through  him,  was  capable  of  destroying  both  of 


220      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

them.    I  too    was  in  prison.    God  removed  the  chains  from  my 
neck  and  placed  them  around  the  neck  of  Abdul  Hamid.     It  was 
done  suddenly,  not  a  long  time,  in  a  moment  as  it  were.    The  same 
hour  that  the  Young  Turks  declared  liberty,  the  Committee  of  Union 
and  Progress  set  me  free.  They  lifted  the  chains  from  my  neck  and 
threw  them  around  the  neck  of  Abdul  Hamid.    That  which  he  did 
to  me  was  inflicted  upon  him.    Now  the  position  is  precisely  re- 
versed.   His  days  are  spent  in  prison  just  as  I  passed  the  days  in 
prison  at  Akka,  with  this  difference,  that  I  was  happy  in  imprison- 
ment.   I  was  in  the  utmost  elation  because  I  was  not  a  criminal. 
They  had  imprisoned  me  in  the  path  of  God.    Every  time  I  thought 
of  this,  that  I  was  a  prisoner  in  the  pathway  of  God,  the  utmost 
elation  overcame  me.    Abdul  Hamid  is  now  suffering  punishment 
for  his  deeds.    Because  of  the  sins  he  committed  he  is  now  in 
prison.     This  is  retribution  for  his  acts.     Every  hour  he  is  morti- 
fied anew  and  his  ignominy  revived.     He  is  in  the  utmost  sorrow 
and  disappointment  while  I  am  in  perfect  happiness.    I  was  happy 
that — praise  be  to  God! — I  was  a  prisoner  in  the  cause  of  God, 
that  my  life  was  not  wasted,  that  it  was  spent  in  the  divine  service. 
Nobody  who  saw  me  imagined  that  I  was  in  prison.     They  beheld 
me  in  the  utmost  joy,  complete  thankfulness  and  health,  paying  no 
attention  to  the  prison. 


July  6,  1912,  at  309  West  78th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  Emma  C.  Melick 

IN  the  world  of  existence  man  has  traversed  successive  degrees 
until  he  has  attained  the  human  kingdom.  In  each  degree  of 
his  progression  he  has  developed  capacity  for  advancement  to  the 
next  station  and  condition.  While  in  the  kingdom  of  the  mineral 
he  was  attaining  the  capacity  for  promotion  into  the  degree  of  the 
vegetable.  In  the  kingdom  of  the  vegetable  he  underwent  prepara- 
tion for  the  world  of  the  animal  and  from  thence  he  has  come  on- 
ward to  the  human  degree  or  kingdom.  Throughout  this  journey 
of  progression  he  has  ever  and  always  been  potentially  man.  ^ 

In  the  beginning  of  his  human  life  man  was  embryonic  in  the 
world  of  the  matrix.  There  he  received  capacity  and  endowment 
for  the  reality  of  human  existence.  The  forces  and  powers  neces- 
sary for  this  world  were  bestowed  upon  him  in  that  limited  condi- 
tion. In  this  world  he  needed  eyes ;  he  received  them  potentially 
in  the  other.  He  needed  ears ;  he  obtained  them  there  in  readiness 
and  preparation  for  his  new  existence.    The  powers  requisite  in  this 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  221 

world  were  conferred  upon  him  in  the  world  of  the  matrix,  so  that 
when  he  entered  this  realm  of  real  existence  he  not  only  possessed 
all  necessary  functions  and  powers  but  found  provision  for  his 
material  sustenance  awaiting  him. 

Therefore  in  this  world  he  must  prepare  himself  for  the  life 
beyond.  That  which  he  needs  in  the  world  of  the  kingdom  must 
be  obtained  here.  Just  as  he  prepared  himself  in  the  world  of  the 
matrix  by  acquiring  forces  necessary  in  this  sphere  of  existence, 
so  likewise  the  indispensable  forces  of  the  divine  existence  must  be 
potentially  attained  in  this  world. 

What  is  he  in  need  of  in  the  kingdom  which  transcends  the  life 
and  limitation  of  this  mortal  sphere?  That  world  beyond  is  a 
world  of  sanctity  and  radiance ;  therefore  it  is  necessary  that  in 
this  world  he  should  acquire  these  divine  attributes.  In  that  world 
there  is  need  of  spirituality,  faith,  assurance,  the  knowledge  and 
love  of  God.  These  he  must  attain  in  this  world  so  that  after  his 
ascension  from  the  earthly  to  the  heavenly  kingdom  he  shall  find 
all  that  is  needful  in  that  life  eternal  ready  for  him. 

That  divine  world  is  manifestly  a  world  of  lights;  therefore 
man  has  need  of  illumination  here.  That  is  a  world  of  love;  the 
love  of  God  is  essential.  It  is  a  world  of  perfections;  virtues  or 
perfections  must  be  acquired.  That  world  is  vivified  by  the  breaths 
of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  in  this  world  we  must  seek  them.  That  is  the 
kingdom  of  life  everlasting ;  it  must  be  attained  during  this  vanish- 
ing existence. 

By  what  means  can  man  acquire  these  things?  How  shall  he 
obtain  these  merciful  gifts  and  powers  ?  First,  through  the  knowl- 
edge of  God,  Second,  through  the  love  of  God.  Third,  through 
faith.  Fourth,  through  philanthropic  deeds.  Fifth,  through  self- 
sacrifice.  Sixth,  through  severance  from  this  world.  Seventh, 
through  sanctity  and  holiness.  Unless  he  acquires  these  forces  and 
attains  to  these  requirements  he  will  surely  be  deprived  of  the 
life  that  is  eternal.  But  if  he  possesses  the  knowledge  of  God, 
becomes  ignited  through  the  fire  of  the  love  of  God,  witnesses  the 
great  and  mighty  signs  of  the  kingdom,  becomes  the  cause  of  love 
among  mankind,  and  lives  in  the  utmost  state  of  sanctity  and 
holiness,  he  shall  surely  attain  to  second  birth,  be  baptized  by  the 
Holy  Spirit    and  enjoy  everlasting  existence. 

Is  it  not  astonishing  that  although  man  has  been  created  for 
the  knowledge  and  love  of  God,  for  the  virtues  of  the  human 
world,  for  spirituality,  heavenly  illumination  and  life  eternal, 
nevertheless   he    continues   ignorant    and    negligent   of   all    this? 


222      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

Consider  how  he  seeks  knowledge  of  everything  except  knowledge 
of  God.  For  instance,  his  utmost  desire  is  to  penetrate  the  mys- 
teries of  the  lowest  strata  of  the  earth.  Day  by  day  he  strives 
to  know  what  can  be  found  ten  metres  below  the  surface,  what 
he  can  discover  within  the  stone,  what  he  can  learn  by  archaeo- 
logical research  in  the  dust.  He  puts  forth  arduous  labors  to 
fathom  terrestrial  mysteries  but  is  not  at  all  concerned  about 
knowing  the  mysteries  of  the  kingdom,  traversing  the  illimitable 
fields  of  the  eternal  world,  becoming  informed  of  the  divine  reali- 
ties, discovering  the  secrets  of  God,  attaining  the  knowledge  of 
God,  witnessing  the  splendors  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  and  realizing 
the  glories  of  everlasting  life.  He  is  unmindful  and  thoughtless 
of  these.  How  much  he  is  attracted  to  the  mysteries  of  matter 
and  how  completely  unaware  he  is  of  the  mysteries  of  divinity! 
Nay,  he  is  utterly  negligent  and  oblivious  of  the  secrets  of  divinity. 
How  great  his  ignorance !  How  conducive  to  his  degradation !  It 
is  as  if  a  kind  and  loving  father  had  provided  a  library  of  won- 
derful books  for  his  son  in  order  that  he  might  be  informed  of  the 
mysteries  of  creation ;  at  the  same  time  surrounding  him  with  every 
means  of  comfort  and  enjoyment ;  but  the  son  amuses  himself  with 
pebbles  and  playthings,  neglectful  of  all  his  father's  gifts  and 
provision.  How  ignorant  and  heedless  is  man!  The  Father  has 
willed  for  him  glory  eternal  and  he  is  content  with  blindness  and 
deprivation.  The  Father  has  built  for  him  a  royal  palace  but  he 
is  playing  with  the  dust ;  prepared  for  him  garments  of  silk  but  he 
prefers  to  remain  unclothed ;  provided  for  him  delicious  foods  and 
fruits  while  he  seeks  sustenance  in  the  grasses  of  the  field. 

Praise  be  to  God !  you  have  heard  the  call  of  the  kingdom.  Your 
eyes  are  opened;  you  have  turned  to  God.  Your  purpose  is  the 
good-pleasure  of  God,  the  understanding  of  the  mysteries  of  the 
heart  and  investigation  of  the  realities.  Day  and  night  you  must 
strive  that  you  may  attain  to  the  significances  of  the  heavenly  king- 
dom, perceive  the  signs  of  divinity,  acquire  certainty  of  knowledge 
and  realize  that  this  world  has  a  creator,  a  vivifier,  a  provider,  an 
architect, — knowing  this  through  proofs  and  evidences  and  not 
through  susceptibilities, — nay,  rather,  through  decisive  arguments 
and  real  vision ;  that  is  to  say,  visualizing  it  as  clearly  as  the  outer 
eye  beholds  the  sun.  In  this  way  may  you  behold  the  presence  of 
God  and  attain  to  the  knowledge  of  the  holy,  divine  manifestations. 
You  must  come  into  the  knowledge  of  the  divine  manifestations 
and  their  teachings  through  proofs  and  evidences.  You  must 
unseal  the  mysteries  of  the  supreme  kingdom  and  become  capable 
of  discovering  the  inner  realities  of  things.     Then  shall  you  be 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  223 

the  manifestations  of  the  mercy  of  God,  and  true  believers,  firm 
and  steadfast  in  the  cause  of  God. 

Praise  be  to  God !  the  door  of  divine  knowledge  has  been  opened 
by  Baha  'Ullaii  ;  for  he  has  laid  the  foundation  whereby  man  may 
become  acquainted  with  the  verities  of  heaven  and  earth  and  has 
bestowed  the  utmost  confirmation  in  this  day.  He  is  our  teacher 
and  adviser;  he  is  our  seer  and  the  one  clement  toward  us.  He 
has  prepared  his  gifts  and  vouchsafed  his  bounties,  revealed  every 
admonition  and  behest,  prepared  for  us  the  means  of  eternal  glory, 
breathed  upon  us  the  life-quickening  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
opened  before  our  faces  the  doors  of  the  paradise  of  Abha  and 
caused  the  lights  of  the  Sun  of  Truth  to  shine  upon  us.  The  clouds 
of  mercy  have  poured  down  their  precious  rain.  The  sea  of  favor 
is  swelling  and  surging  toward  us. 

The  spiritual  springtime  has  come.  Infinite  bounties  and  graces 
have  appeared.  What  bestowal  is  greater  than  this?  We  must 
appreciate  the  divine  generosity  and  act  in  accordance  with  the 
teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah,  so  that  all  good  may  be  stored  up  for 
us  and  in  both  worlds  we  shall  become  precious  and  acceptable  to 
God,  attain  to  everlasting  blessings,  taste  the  delicacy  of  the  love 
of  God,  find  the  sweetness  of  the  knowledge  of  God,  perceive  the 
heavenly  bestowal  and  witness  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

This  is  my  advice  and  this  is  my  admonition. 

VI 

July  14,  1912,  at  All  Souls  Unitarian  Church, 
Fourth  Avenue  and  20th  Street,  New  York. 

Notes  by  John  G.   Grundy  and  Howard  MacNutt 

TODAY  I  wish  to  speak  to  you  upon  the  subject  of  "Oneness 
of  Humanity"  for  in  this  great  century  the  most  important 
accomplishment  is  the  unity  of  mankind.  Although  in  former 
centuries  and  times  this  subject  received  some  measure  of  mention 
and  consideration,  it  has  now  become  the  paramount  issue  and 
question  in  the  religious  and  political  conditions  of  the  world.  His- 
tory shows  that  throughout  the  past  there  has  been  continual 
warfare  and  strife  among  the  various  nations,  peoples  and  sects. 
but  now,  Praise  be  to  God !  in  this  century  of  illumination,  hearts 
are  inclined  toward  agreement  and  fellowship  and  minds  are 
thoughtful  upon  the  question  of  the  unification  of  mankind.  There 
is  an  emanation  of  the  universal  consciousness  today  which  clearly 
indicates  the  dawn  of  a  great  unity. 


224      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

In  the  investigation  of  a  subject  the  right  method  of  approach 
is  to  carefully  examine  its  premises.  Therefore  we  must  go  back 
to  the  foundation  upon  which  human  solidarity  rests,  namely :  that 
all  are  the  progeny  of  Adam,  the  creatures  and  servants  of  one 
God;  that  God  is  the  protector  and  provider;  that  all  are  sub- 
merged in  the  sea  of  divine  mercy  and  grace  and  God  is  loving 
toward  all. 

Humanity  shares  in  common  the  intellectual  and  spiritual  fac- 
ulties of  a  created  endowment.  All  are  equally  subject  to  the 
various  exigencies  of  human  life  and  are  similarly  occupied  in 
acquiring  the  means  of  earthly  subsistence.  From  the  viewpoint 
of  creation  human  beings  stand  upon  the  same  footing  in  every 
respect,  subject  to  the  same  requirements  and  seeking  the  enjoy- 
ment and  comfort  of  earthly  conditions.  Therefore  the  things 
humanity  shares  in  common  are  numerous  and  manifest.  This 
equal  participation  in  the  physical,  intellectual  and  spiritual  prob- 
lems of  human  existence  is  a  valid  basis  for  the  unification  of 
mankind. 

Consider  how  discord  and  dissension  have  prevailed  in  this 
great  human  family  for  thousands  of  years.  Its  members  have 
ever  been  engaged  in  war  and  bloodshed.  Up  to  the  present  time 
in  history  the  world  of  humanity  has  neither  attained  nor  enjoyed 
any  measure  of  peace,  owing  to  incessant  conditions  of  hostility 
and  strife.  History  is  a  continuous  and  consecutive  record  of 
warfare  brought  about  by  religious,  sectarian,  racial,  patriotic  and 
political  causes.  The  world  of  humanity  has  found  no  rest.  Man- 
kind has  always  been  in  conflict,  engaged  in  destroying  the  founda- 
tions, pillaging  the  properties  and  possessing  the  lands  and  terri- 
tory of  each  other,  especially  in  the  earlier  periods  of  savagery  and 
barbarism  where  whole  races  and  peoples  were  carried  away  captive 
by  their  conquerors.  Who  shall  measure  or  estimate  the  tremen- 
dous destruction  of  human  life  resulting  from  this  hostility  and 
strife?  What  human  powers  and  forces  have  been  employed  in 
the  prosecution  of  war  and  applied  to  inhuman  purposes  of  battle 
and  bloodshed!  In  this  most  radiant  century  it  has  become  nec- 
essary to  divert  these  energies  and  utilize  them  in  other  directions ; 
to  seek  the  new  path  of  fellowship  and  unity;  to  unlearn  the 
science  of  war  and  devote  supreme  human  forces  to  the  blessed 
arts  of  peace.  After  long  trial  and  experience  we  are  convinced  of 
the  harmful  and  satanic  outcomes  of  dissension ;  now  we  must  seek 
after  means  by  which  the  benefits  of  agreement  and  concord  may  be 
enjoyed.     When  such  means  are  found  we  must  give  them  a  trial. 

Consider  the  harmful  effect  of  discord  and  dissension  in  a 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  225 

family ;  then  reflect  upon  the  favors  and  blessings  which  descend 
upon  that  family  when  unity  exists  among  its  various  members. 
What  incalculable  benefits  and  blessings  would  descend  upon  the 
great  human  family  if  unity  and  brotherhood  were  established! 
In  this  century  when  the  beneficent  results  of  unity  and  the  ill 
effects  of  discord  are  so  clearly  apparent,  the  means  for  the  attain- 
ment and  accomplishment  of  human  fellowship  have  appeared  in 
the  world.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah  has  proclaimed  and  pro- 
vided the  way  by  which  hostility  and  dissension  may  be  removed 
from  the  human  world.  He  has  left  no  ground  or  possibility  for 
strife  and  disagreement. 

First,  he  has  proclaimed  the  oneness  of  mankind  and  specialized 
religious  teachings  for  existing  human  conditions.  The  first  form 
of  dissension  arises  from  religious  differences.  His  Holiness  Baha 
'Ullah  has  given  full  teachings  to  the  world  which  are  conducive 
to  fellowship  and  unity  in  religion.  Throughout  past  centuries 
each  system  of  religious  belief  has  boasted  of  its  own  superiority 
and  excellence,  abasing  and  scorning  the  validity  of  all  others. 
Each  has  proclaimed  its  own  belief  as  the  light  and  all  others  as 
darkness.  Religionists  have  considered  the  world  of  humanity 
as  two  trees,  one  divine  and  merciful,  the  other  satanic;  they 
themselves  the  branches,  leaves  and  fruit  of  the  divine  tree  and 
all  others  who  differ  from  them  in  belief,  the  product  of  the  tree 
which  is  satanic.  Therefore  sedition  and  warfare,  bloodshed  and 
strife  have  been  continuous  among  them.  The  greatest  cause  of 
human  alienation  has  been  religion  because  each  party  has  con- 
sidered the  belief  of  the  other  as  anathema  and  deprived  of  the 
mercy  of  God. 

The  teachings  specialized  in  Baha  'Ullah  are  addressed  to 
humanity,  saying  "Ye  are  all  the  leaves  of  one  tree."  He  does 
not  say  "Ye  are  the  leaves  of  two  trees, — one  divine,  the  other 
satanic."  He  has  declared  that  each  individual  member  of  the 
human  family  is  a  leaf  or  branch  upon  the  Adamic  tree;  that 
all  are  sheltered  beneath  the  protecting  mercy  and  providence  of 
God;  that  all  are  the  children  of  God;  fniit  upon  the  one  tree 
of  his  love.  God  is  equally  compassionate  and  kind  to  all  the 
leaves,  branches  and  fruit  of  this  tree.  Therefore  there  is  no 
satanic  tree  whatever;  "satan"  being  a  product  of  human  minds 
and  of  instinctive  human  tendencies  toward  error.  God  alone  is 
creator  and  all  are  creatures  of  his  might.  Therefore  we  must 
love  mankind  as  his  creatures,  realizing  that  all  are  growing  upon 
the  tree  of  his  mercy,  servants  of  his  omnipotent  will  and  mani- 
festations of  his  good-pleasure. 


226      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

Even  though  we  find  a  branch  or  leaf  upon  this  tree  of  human- 
ity defective  or  a  blossom  imperfect  it  nevertheless  belongs  to 
this  tree  and  not  to  another.  Therefore  it  is  our  duty  to  protect 
and  cultivate  this  tree  until  it  reaches  perfection.  If  we  examine 
its  fruit  and  find  it  imperfect  we  must  strive  to  make  it  perfect. 
There  are  souls  in  the  human  world  who  are  ignorant;  we  must 
make  them  knowing.  Some  growing  upon  the  tree  are  weak  and 
ailing;  we  must  assist  them  toward  health  and  recovery.  If  they 
are  as  infants  in  development  we  must  minister  to  them  until 
they  attain  maturity.  We  should  never  detest  and  shun  them  as 
objectionable  and  unworthy.  We  must  treat  them  with  honor, 
respect  and  kindness,  for  God  has  created  them  and  not  satan. 
They  are  not  manifestations  of  the  wrath  of  God  but  evidences 
of  his  divine  favor.  God  the  creator  has  endowed  them  with 
physical,  mental  and  spiritual  qualities  that  they  may  seek  to 
know  and  do  his  will;  therefore  they  are  not  objects  of  his  wrath 
and  condemnation.  In  brief,  all  humanity  must  be  looked  upon 
with  love,  kindness  and  respect,  for  what  we  behold  in  them  are 
none  other  than  the  signs  and  traces  of  God  himself.  All  are 
evidences  of  God;  therefore  how  shall  we  be  justified  in  debasing 
and  belittling  them,  uttering  anathema  and  preventing  them  from 
drawing  near  unto  his  mercy.  This  is  ignorance  and  injustice, 
displeasing  to  God,  for  in  his  sight  all  are  his  servants. 

Another  cause  of  dissension  and  disagreement  is  the  fact  that 
religion  has  been  pronounced  at  variance  with  science.  Between 
scientists  and  the  followers  of  religion  there  has  always  been  con- 
troversy and  strife  for  the  reason  that  the  latter  have  proclaimed 
religion  superior  in  authority  to  science  and  considered  scientific 
announcement  opposed  to  the  teachings  of  religion.  His  Holiness 
Baha  'Ullah  declared  that  religion  is  in  complete  harmony  with 
science  and  reason.  If  religious  belief  and  doctrine  is  at  variance 
with  reason,  it  proceeds  from  the  limited  mind  of  man  and  not 
from  God;  therefore  it  is  unworthy  of  belief  and  not  deserving 
of  attention;  the  heart  finds  no  rest  in  it  and  real  faith  is  impos- 
sible. How  can  man  believe  that  which  he  knows  to  be  opposed 
to  reason?  Is  this  possible!  Can  the  heart  accept  that  which 
reason  denies  ?  Reason  is  the  first  faculty  of  man  and  the  religion 
of  God  is  in  harmony  with  it,  Baha  'Ullah  has  removed  this 
form  of  dissension  and  discord  from  among  mankind  and  recon- 
ciled science  with  religion  by  revealing  the  pure  teachings  of  the 
divine  reality.  This  accomplishment  is  specialized  to  him  in 
this  day. 

Still  another  cause  of  disagreement  and  dissension  has  been  the 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  227 

formation  of  religious  sects  and  denominations.  Baha  'Ullah 
said  that  God  has  sent  religion  for  the  purpose  of  establishing 
fellowship  among  humankind  and  not  to  create  strife  and  discord, 
for  all  religion  is  founded  upon  the  love  of  humanity.  His  Holi- 
ness Abraham  promulgated  this  principle;  His  Holiness  Moses 
summoned  all  to  its  recognition ;  His  Holiness  Christ  established  it 
and  His  Holiness  Mohammed  directed  mankind  to  its  standard. 
This  is  the  reality  of  religion.  If  we  abandon  hearsay  and  investi- 
gate the  reality  and  inner  significance  of  the  heavenly  teachings 
we  \vill  find  the  same  divine  foundation  of  love  for  humanity. 
The  purport  is  that  religion  is  intended  to  be  the  cause  of  unity, 
love  and  fellowship  and  not  discord,  enmity  and  estrangement, 
^lan  has  forsaken  the  foundation  of  divine  religion  and  adhered 
to  blind  imitations.  Each  nation  has  clung  to  its  own  imitations 
and  because  these  are  at  variance,  warfare,  bloodshed  and  destruc- 
tion of  the  foundation  of  humanity  have  resulted.  True  religion 
is  based  upon  love  and  agreement.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah 
has  said  "If  religion  and  faith  are  the  causes  of  enmity  and  sedi- 
tion, it  is  far  better  to  be  non-religious,  and  the  absence  of  religion 
would  be  preferable;  for  we  desire  religion  to  be  the  cause  of 
amity  and  fellowship.  If  enmity  and  hatred  exist,  irreligion  is 
preferable."  Therefore  the  removal  of  this  dissension  has  been 
specialized  in  Baha  'Ullah,  for  religion  is  the  divine  remedy  for 
human  antagonism  and  discord.  But  when  we  make  the  remedy 
the  cause  of  the  disease,  it  would  be  better  to  do  without  the  remedy. 

Other  sources  of  human  dissension  are  political,  racial  and 
patriotic  prejudices.  These  have  been  removed  by  Baha  'Ullah. 
He  has  said  and  has  guarded  his  statement  by  rational  proofs  from 
tlie  holy  books,  that  the  world  of  humanity  is  one  race,  the  surface 
of  the  earth  one  place  of  residence  and  that  these  imaginary  racial 
barriers  and  political  boundaries  are  without  right  or  foundation. 
]Man  is  degraded  in  becoming  the  captive  of  his  own  illusions  and 
suppositions.  The  earth  is  one  earth  and  the  same  atmosphere 
surrounds  it.  No  difference  or  preference  has  been  made  by  God 
for  its  human  inhabitants;  but  man  has  laid  the  foundation  of 
prejudice,  hatred  and  discord  with  his  fellow-man  by  considering 
nationalities  separate  in  importance  and  races  different  in  rights 
and  privileges. 

Diversity  of  languages  has  been  a  fruitful  cause  of  discord. 
The  function  of  language  is  to  convey  the  thought  and  purpose  of 
one  to  another.  Therefore  it  matters  not  what  language  man 
speaks  or  employs.  Sixty  years  ago  Baha  'Ullah  advocated  one 
language  as  the  greatest  means  of  unity  and  the  basis  of  interna- 


228      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

tional  conference.  He  wrote  to  the  kings  and  rulers  of  the  various 
nations  recommending  that  one  language  should  be  sanctioned  and 
adopted  by  all  governments.  According  to  this,  each  nation  should 
acquire  the  universal  language  in  addition  to  its  natal  tongue. 
The  world  would  then  be  in  close  communication,  consultation 
would  become  general  and  dissensions  due  to  diversity  of  speech 
would  be  removed. 

Another  teaching  of  Baha  'Ullah  is  in  relation  to  Universal 
Peace;  that  all  mankind  must  be  awakened  to  and  become  con- 
scious of  the  harm  of  war;  that  they  should  be  brought  to  realize 
the  benefits  of  peace  and  know  that  peace  is  from  God  while  war- 
fare is  Satanic.  Man  must  emulate  the  merciful  God  and  turn 
away  from  satanic  promptings  in  order  that  universal  inclination 
shall  be  toward  peace,  love  and  unity  and  the  discord  of  war  vanish. 

Lack  of  equality  between  man  and  woman  is  likewise  a  cause 
of  human  dissension.  Baha  'Ullah  has  named  this  as  an  im- 
portant factor  of  discord  and  separation,  for  so  long  as  humankind 
remains  unequally  divided,  male  and  female  in  right  and  im- 
portance, no  unity  can  be  established.  In  a  perfect  human  body 
it  is  not  possible  for  one  organ  to  be  complete  and  another  defective. 
In  the  great  body  of  human  society  it  is  impossible  to  establish 
unity  and  co-ordination  if  one  factor  is  considered  perfect  and  the 
other  imperfect.  AVhen  the  perfect  functions  of  both  factors  are 
in  operation  harmony  will  prevail.  God  has  created  man  and 
woman  equal  as  to  faculties.  He  has  made  no  distinction  between 
them.  Woman  has  not  reached  the  level  of  man  in  human  accom- 
plishment because  of  the  lack  of  opportunity  and  education.  If 
educational  opportunities  were  made  equal  and  similar  the  two 
factors  man  and  woman  would  equalize  in  attainment.  God  has 
intended  no  difference  between  them  that  should  be  productive 
of  discord.  He  has  endowed  all  with  human  faculties  and  all  are 
manifestations  of  his  mercy.  If  we  say  man  and  woman  differ 
in  creational  endowment  it  is  contrary  to  divine  justice  and 
intention.  Both  are  human.  If  God  has  created  one  perfect  and 
the  other  defective  he  is  unjust.  But  God  is  just ;  all  are  perfect 
in  his  intention  and  creative  endowment.  To  assume  imperfec- 
tion in  the  creature  is  to  presuppose  imperfection  in  the  almighty 
creator.  The  soul  that  excels  in  attainment  of  his  attributes  and 
graces  is  most  acceptable  before  God. 

We  are  considering  the  divine  plan  for  the  reconciliation  of 
the  religious  systems  of  the  world.  His  Holiness  Baha  'Ullah 
has  said  that  if  one  intelligent  member  be  selected  from  each  of  th*^ 
varying  religious  systems,  and  these  representatives  come  together 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  229 

seeking  to  investigate  the  reality  of  religion,  they  would  establish 
an  interreligious  body  before  which  all  disputes  and  differences 
of  belief  could  be  presented  for  consideration  and  settlement.  Such 
questions  could  then  be  weighed  and  viewed  from  the  standpoint 
of  reality  and  all  imitations  be  discarded.  By  this  method  and 
procedure  all  sects,  denominations  and  systems  would  become  one. 

Do  not  question  the  practicability  of  this  and  be  not  astonished. 
It  has  been  accomplished  and  effected  in  Persia.  In  that  country 
the  various  religionists  have  conjoined  in  investigating  the  reality 
and  have  united  in  complete  fellowship  and  love.  No  traces  of 
discord  or  differences  remain  among  them ;  now  affection  and  unity 
are  manifest  instead.  They  live  together  in  harmony  and  accord 
like  a  single  family.  Antagonism  and  strife  have  passed  away; 
love  and  agreement  have  taken  the  place  of  hatred  and  animosity. 
Furthermore,  those  souls  who  have  followed  Baha  'Ullah  and 
attained  this  condition  of  fellowship  and  affiliation  are  Moham- 
medans, Jews,  Christians,  Zoroastrians,  Buddhists,  Nestorians, 
Sunnites,  Shiites  and  others.  No  discord  exists  among  them.  This 
is  a  proof  of  the  possibility  of  unification  among  the  religionists  of 
the  world  through  practical  means.  Imitations  and  prejudices 
which  have  held  men  apart  have  been  discarded  and  the  reality  of 
religion  envelops  them  in  a  perfect  unity.  When  reality  envelops 
the  soul  of  man  love  is  possible.  The  divine  purpose  in  religion 
is  pure  love  and  agreement.  The  prophets  of  God  manifested 
complete  love  for  all.  Each  one  announced  the  glad-tidings  of 
his  successor  and  each  subsequent  one  confirmed  the  teachings  and 
prophecies  of  the  prophet  who  preceded  him.  There  was  no  dis- 
agreement or  variance  in  the  reality  of  their  teaching  and  mission. 
Discord  has  arisen  among  their  followers  who  have  lost  sight  of 
the  reality  and  hold  fast  to  imitations.  If  imitations  be  done  away 
with  and  the  radiant  shining  reality  dawn  in  the  souls  of  men 
love  and  unity  must  prevail.  In  this  way  humanity  will  be  rescued 
from  the  strife  and  wars  which  have  prevailed  for  thousands  of 
years;  dissensions  will  pass  away  and  the  illumination  of  unity 
dawn.  Consider  how  all  the  prophets  of  God  were  pei-secuted  and 
what  hardships  they  experienced.  His  Holiness  Jesus  Christ  en- 
dured affliction  and  accepted  martyrdom  upon  the  cross  in  order 
to  summon  mankind  to  unity  and  love.  What  sacrifice  could  be 
greater?  He  brought  the  religion  of  love  and  fellowship  into  the 
world.  Shall  we  make  use  of  it  to  create  discord,  violence  and 
hatred  among  mankind? 

Moses  was  persecuted  and  driven  out  into  the  desert.  Abraham 
was  banished ;  Moliammed  took  refuge  in  caves ;  the  Bab  was  killed 


230      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

and  Baha  'Ullah  was  exiled  and  imprisoned  forty  years.  Yet 
all  of  them  desired  fellowship  and  love  among  men.  They  endured 
hardships,  suffered  persecution  and  death  for  our  sakes  that  we 
might  be  taught  to  love  one  another  and  be  united  and  affiliated 
instead  of  discordant  and  at  variance.  Enough  of  these  long 
centuries  which  have  brought  such  vicissitudes  and  hardships  into 
the  world  through  strife  and  hatred.  Now  in  this  radiant  century 
let  us  try  to  do  the  will  of  God  that  we  may  be  rescued  from  these 
things  of  darkness  and  come  forth  into  the  boundless  illumination 
of  heaven,  shunning  division  and  welcoming  the  divine  oneness 
of  humanity.  Perchance,  God  willing,  this  terrestrial  world  may 
become  as  a  mirror  celestial  upon  which  we  may  behold  the  imprint 
of  the  traces  of  divinity  and  the  fundamental  qualities  of  a  new 
creation  may  be  reflected  from  the  reality  of  love  shining  in  human 
hearts.  From  the  light  and  semblance  of  God  in  us  may  it  be 
indeed  proved  and  witnessed  that  God  has  created  man  after  his 
own  image  and  likeness. 

0  my  God!  0  my  God!  Verily  I  invoke  thee  and  supplicate 
before  thy  threshold  asking  thee  that  all  thy  mercies  may  descend 
upon  these  souls.  Specialize  them  for  thy  favor  and  thy  truth. 
0  Lord !  unite  and  bind  together  the  hearts,  join  in  accord  all  the 
souls  and  exhilarate  the  spirits  through  the  signs  of  thy  sanctity 
and  oneness,  O  Lord !  make  these  faces  radiant  through  the  light 
of  thy  oneness.  Strengthen  the  loins  of  thy  servants  in  the  service 
of  thy  kingdom.  0  Lord,  thou  possessor  of  infinite  mercy !  0  Lord 
of  forgiveness  and  pardon!  forgive  our  sins,  pardon  our  short- 
comings and  cause  us  to  turn  to  the  kingdom  of  thy  clemency,  in- 
voking the  kingdom  of  might  and  power,  humble  at  thy  shrine 
and  submissive  before  the  glory  of  thy  evidences.  0  Lord  God! 
make  us  as  waves  of  the  sea,  as  flowers  of  the  garden,  united, 
agreed  through  the  bounties  of  thy  love.  0  Lord!  dilate  the 
breasts  through  the  signs  of  thy  oneness  and  make  all  mankind  as 
stars  shining  from  the  same  height  of  glory,  as  perfect  fruits  grow- 
ing upon  thy  tree  of  life.  Verily  thou  art  the  almighty,  the  self- 
snibsistent,  the  giver,  the  forgiving,  the  pardoner,  the  omniscient, 
the  one  creator! 

VII 

July  15,  1912,  at  830  Park  Ave.,  New  York. 
Hmne  of  Mrs.  Florian  Krug. 

Notes  by  Howard  MacNutt 

AM  greatly  pleased  to  see  you.     Your  hearts  are  illumined  by 
the  lights  of  Baha.    This  meeting  is  in  reality  a  divine,  celestial 


I 


DISCOURSES  DELIVERED  IN  NEW  YORK  231 

assembly  under  the  favor  of  God,  for  we  have  no  other  purpose 
than  praising  and  meeting  God.  The  prayer  you  have  just  offered 
is  a  prayer  of  thankfulness. 

Thankfulness  is  of  various  kinds.  There  is  a  verbal  thanks- 
giving which  is  confined  to  a  mere  utterance  of  gratitude.  This 
is  of  no  importance  because  perchance  the  tongue  may  give  thanks 
while  the  heart  is  unaware  of  it.  Many  who  offer  thanks  to  God 
are  of  this  type;  their  spirits  and  hearts  unconscious  of  thanks- 
giving. This  is  mere  usage,  just  as  when  we  meet,  receive  a  gift 
and  say  "thank  you, "speaking  the  words  without  significance.  One 
may  say  "thank  you"  a  thousand  times  while  the  heart  remains 
thankless,  ungrateful.  Therefore  mere  verbal  thanksgiving  is 
without  effect.  But  real  thankfulness  is  a  cordial  giving  of  thanks 
from  the  heart.  When  man  in  response  to  the  favors  of  God 
manifests  susceptibilities  of  conscience,  the  heart  is  happy,  the 
spirit  is  exhilarated.  These  spiritual  susceptibilities  are  ideal 
thanksgiving. 

There  is  a  cordial  thanksgiving  too  which  expresses  itself  in 
the  deeds  and  actions  of  man  when  his  heart  is  filled  with  gratitude. 
For  example,  God  has  conferred  upon  man  the  gift  of  guidance 
and  in  thankfulness  for  this  great  gift  certain  deeds  must  emanate 
from  him.  To  express  his  gratitude  for  the  favors  of  God  man 
must  show  forth  praiseworthy  actions.  In  response  to  these  be- 
stowals he  must  render  good  deeds,  be  self-sacrificing,  loving  the 
servants  of  God,  forfeiting  even  life  for  them,  showing  kindness  to 
all  the  creatures.  He  must  be  severed  from  the  world,  attracted 
to  the  kingdom  of  Abha,  the  face  radiant,  the  tongue  eloquent, 
the  ear  attentive,  striving  day  and  night  to  attain  the  good-pleasure 
of  God.  Whatsover  he  wishes  to  do  must  be  in  harmony  with  the 
good-pleasure  of  God.  He  must  observe  and  see  what  is  the  will 
of  God  and  act  accordingly.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  such 
commendable  deeds  are  thankfulness  for  the  favors  of  God. 

Consider  how  grateful  any  one  becomes  when  healed  from  sick- 
ness, when  treated  kindly  by  another  or  when  a  service  is  rendered 
by  another,  even  though  it  may  be  of  the  least  consequence.  If  we 
forget  such  favors  it  is  an  evidence  of  ingratitude.  Then  it  will 
be  said  a  loving-kindness  has  been  done  but  we  are  thankless,  not 
appreciating  this  love  and  favor.  Physically  and  spiritually  we 
are  submerged  in  the  sea  of  God's  favor.  He  has  provided  our 
foods,  drink  and  other  requirements ;  his  favors  encompass  us  from 
all  directions.  The  sustenances  provided  for  man  are  blessings. 
Sight,  hearing  and  all  his  faculties  are  wonderful  gifts.  These 
blessings  are  innumerable ;  no  matter  how  many  are  mentioned 


232      THE  PROMULGATION  OF  UNIVERSAL  PEACE 

they  are  still  endless.  Spiritual  blessings  are  likewise  endless; 
spirit,  consciousness,  thought,  memory,  perception,  ideation  and 
other  endowments.  By  these  he  has  guided  us  and  we  enter  his 
kingdom.  He  has  opened  the  doors  of  all  good  before  our  faces. 
He  has  vouchsafed  eternal  glory.  He  has  summoned  us  to  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  He  has  enriched  us  by  the  bestowals  of  God. 
Every  day  he  has  proclaimed  new  glad-tidings.  Every  hour  fresh 
bounties  descend. 

Consider  how  all  the  people  are  asleep  and  ye  are  awake.  They 
are  dead  and  ye  are  alive  through  the  breaths  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
They  are  blind  while  ye  are  endowed  with  perceptive  sight.  They 
are  deprived  of  the  love  of  God  but  in  your  hearts  it  exists  and  is 
glowing.     Consider  these  bestowals  and  favors. 

Therefore  in  thanksgiving  for  them  ye  must  act  in  accordance 
with  the  teachings  of  Baha  'Ullah.  Ye  must  read  the  tablets, — 
Hidden  Words, — Ishrakhat, — Glad-Tidings — all  the  holy  utter- 
ances, and  act  according  to  them.  This  is  real  thanksgiving,  to 
live  in  accord  with  these  utterances.  This  is  true  thankfulness  and 
the  divine  bestowal.    This  is  thanksgiving  and  glorification  of  God. 

I  hope  you  all  may  attain  thereto,  be  mindful  of  these  favors 
of  God  and  be  attentive.  It  is  my  hope  that  I  may  go  away  from 
New  York  with  a  happy  heart ;  and  my  heart  is  happy  when  the 
friends  of  God  love  each  other;  when  they  manifest  the  mercy  of 
God  to  all  people.    If  I  see  this  I  shall  go  away  happy. 

Salutations ! 


INDEX 


INDEX 


Abdul  Baha,  arrival  in  New  York     1 
attitude  of  Americans  toward 

him    107-108 

exiled   from    Persia 41 

his  imprisonment  and  release  33 
his  journey  to  the  Occident.  .  80 
his    reply    to    a    materialistic 

philosopher    78 

his    spiritual    instructions    to 

American  Bahais .213 

his  station  161 

his    traveling    experiences    in 

America    107 

in  prison  of  Akka 198,220 

purpose  of  his  visit  to  America 

13,   74-75,   167, 
178-179,   181,   182,  207 

servant  of  the  feast 40-41 

servant  of  the  poor 31 

Aaron,  appeared  in  the  East. ...   21 

Abdul  Hamid 33,  198,  220 

Abha,   beauty  of 191 

kingdom  of  

7,  22,  34,  36,  50,  90,  178,  208,  231 

paradise   of 

8,  36,  50,  89,  183,  209,  223 

the  name  100 

Abraham 94,    146-147 

a  collective  center 159 

banished     229 

founded  religion  upon  love... 227 

heralded  Reality 98,  102,  122 

his  unity  with  the  Manifesta- 
tions    187,  192 

Adam 95,  120,  145,  169,  171,  185, 

213-214,  217,  224,  225 
Adrianople,    Baha  'UUah    exiled 

to 24,  26.  121 

Affinity,  the  cause  of  life. .  .202-203 

Afnan,  His   Holiness 68 

Africa 43,  68,  71,  74,  108,  219 

women  in    71 

African   184 

Akka 121,  206,  220 


Akka   (continued) 

Baha  'Ullah  exiled  to 

25-26,  121,  206,  219 

Alexandria 14,  78 

America 1,  5,  16,  17,  55,  90,  100, 

207,  208,  219 
become  distributing  center  of 

spiritual    enlightenment....   17 
be  first  to  establish  Universal 

Peace 33-34,  117-118,  137 

be  the   cause  of  cessation  of 

warfare 80-81,    99-100 

civilized  people  of 74 

discovery  of 55,  132 

equality  of  man  and  woman  In  71 

friends  in 107 

its  civilization  due  to  educa- 
tion    81 

Sun  of  Truth  manifest  in 20 

tablet  to  democracy  of 218 

American 95,  114,  184 

democracy  become  spiritual..   64 
nation,    unity    of    racial    ele- 
ments of  the 54 

nation    will    lead    all    spirit- 
ually   100 

Americans,     their     kindness     to 

Abdul  Baha   137 

Andalusia 113,   124 

Animal  kingdom 

26,  64.  66.  110.  167.  184 

propensities  vs.  human 

37-38,  179-180 

spirit    55 

Arabia 16,  124,  199 

Arabians    (Arabs) 

40.  95.  113.  160,  196,  199 

and    other    races     united     by 

Baha  'Ullah 93-94.  124 

Arabic 73,  185 

Arbitration,  kings  summoned  to, 

by  Baha  'Ullah 25 

Asia 43,  68,  71,  219 

women  in   71 

Asian  184 

Assurance    221 


11 


INDEX 


Assyria  94,  113 

Assyrians 16,  39,  124,  153,  157 

Aurelian,  Emperor   131 

Australia    68 

Ayeshah,  daughter  of  Pharaoh..  170 

B 

Bab,  the   149 

anniversary  of  his  message. . . 
133-134 

announces  Baha  'UUah's  com- 
ing  23,  133-134 

appeared  in  the  East 21 

his    history,    persecution    and 

martyrdom     

4,  24,  120,  133-134,  229 

his  unity  with  the  Holy  Spirit 
187 

his  unity  with  the  Manifesta- 
tions    187,  192 

proclaimed  Universal  Peace.. 
4,  120 

was  the  door  of  the  Reality..  122 

was    the    return    of    all    the 
Prophets   162 

writes     three     hundred     and 
sixty  derivatives  of  the  root 

"Baha"    24 

Baghdad 26,  31,  41 

Baha   'Ullah  declares  himself 

in    24 

Baha  'Ullah  1,  5,  88 

a  collective  center 159 

advised  an  inter-religious  tri- 
bunal     228-229 

advised  international  arbitra- 
tion  104,  116,  137,  198 

advocated     a     universal     lan- 
guage     227-228 

announced  by  the  Bab. . .  .133-134 

appeared  in  the  East 21,  174 

brought    East   and    West   to- 
gether   16-17,  34,  40-41 

brought  the  divine  springtime 
7,  8-9.  13,  52,  159-160 

caused   races   and   nations   to 
unite    65-66 

commanded  building  of  Mash- 
req  Ul-Azkar   62-63 

commands  unity  and  sacrifice 
209-210 

conqueror  through  love 206 


Baha  'Ullah  (continued) 

Day   of    205 

declared     the     "Most     Great 

Peace"    116,  218 

declares  himself  in  Baghdad. .  24 

declares   his  mission 116 

declares  religion  the  cause  of 

amity  and  fellowship 227 

declares     the     Bab's     mission 

true 23 

declares  the  harmony  between 

science   and   religion 226 

exiled  to  Akka. 25-26,  121,  206,  219 
exiled  to  Baghdad,  Constanti- 
nople, Adrianople,  etc 

24-26,  33,  41,  121 

explains  mysteries    192 

founded      spiritual      brother- 
hood    126 

founded  spiritual  civilization.   10 
his  attitude  toward  Zoroastri- 
anism  and  all  the  religions 

163-164 

his  bestowal  and  bounty 210 

his  books  and  tablets 149-150 

his  command  concerning  mu- 
tuality of  interests 203-204 

his    communication    with    the 

Bab   23-24 

his   divine  favor  draws   souls 

together     67-68 

his  exile  from  Persia 24,  230 

his     guidance    to    the    divine 

kingdom    182 

his  history.... 22-26,  101,  197-198 
his  hospitality  and  generosity  23 
his  imprisonment,  persecution 
and  ordeals..  ..4-5,  25,  33,  101, 
120-121,  137,  219,  230 
his  laws  of  economic  readjust- 
ment   211-212 

his   purpose   to    establish    the 

kingdom  of  love 4-5,  13 

his    sufferings    and    imprison-  , 

ment   4-5 

his  sufferings  and  sacrifice. 51-52 

his  teachings.... 6,  59-61,  101-106, 
116,  120-121,  123-125,  143,  150, 
164-165,  169-170,  174-177,  182, 
208,  225-229 

his  teachings   concerning  the 
family   163 


INDEX 


111 


Baha  'Ullali  (continued) 
his   teachings   concerning  the 

universe  and  creation 215 

his  teachings   concerning 

training  of  mothers.  129-130,  170 
his  unity  with  the  Holy  Spirit.  187 
his  unity  with  the  Manifesta- 
tions     187,  192 

in  Constantinople  and  Adrian- 

ople    24 

kingdom  of    134 

loved  the  poor 31 

opened    the    door     of     divine 

knowledge    223 

proclaimed    equality    of    man 

and  woman    161 

proclaimed  Reality 118 

proclaimed  the  oneness  of  the 

world  of  humanity 

33,   65-66,  159.  225-226 

proclaimed  Universal  Peace.. 

4,  120,  137,  228 

removed  prejudice  and  hatred 

101,  197,  227 

renewed      the     teachings     of 

Christ    52 

revoiced  and  purified  religion.   83 

splendor  of  the  Reality 122 

spread  the  cause  of  Christ. .  .  .207 
summoned    kings    to    arbitra- 
tion        25 

the  call  of 183 

the   cause  of,   has  not  yet  ap- 
peared in  this  country 213 

the  educator  of  Orient  and  Oc- 
cident   74-75 

the  "miracle  of  mankind". ..  .150 

the  protector 209 

the  purpose  of  his  suffering. .   26 

the  teacher 74-75,  223 

the     unifying     power     of    his 

Word 40,  217 

united  sects  and  creeds 

93-94,  101,  120,  123,  125,  159,  175 
universal  Manifestation  of  this 

Cycle    213 

uprooted  ancestral  imitations. 217 
will  blend  Persia  and  America  33 

world-physician    199-200 

w'rotc  epistles  to  the  kings. .  . 
10.   25,    116,    121,    137,    198,   206, 
218-219 


Bahai  Assembly  of  New  York. .  .178 

Bahai  distinction    184-185 

meetings 178,  209 

meetings  (outdoors)   208 

movement  is  a  universal 

movement 41 

revelation,  message  of  the.. 22-26 

women 170 

Bahais,    Abdul    Baha's    instruc- 
tions to 5-7,  89-90,  178,  209- 

210,  213,  222-223 
all  contributed  toward  Mash- 

req  Ul-Azkar  of  Ishkabad..   68 
found  all  over  the  world. .  .41,  219 

spiritual  address  to 189-191 

of  Persia 132,  208,  210 

of   Persia,   love   and    brother- 
hood among 203 

of  Persia,  their  unity  and  mar- 
tyrdoms  116,  142,  187,  198 

of  the  East 17,  207 

of  the  East,  unity  of 187 

Baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit 

67,  142,  183 

Beelzebub,  Christ  was  called... 207 
"Best  of  Stories,"  first  book  of 
the  Bab 134 

Bestowals  of  God 6,  7,  10,  12,  13, 

15,  35,  58,  67,  80,  85-87,  90,  121, 
127,  128,  136,  138,  152,  180,  190- 
191,  201,  209,  223,  232 
of  God  are  infinite  and  eternal 

87,   154-155 

Bible....  193,  194,  195,  196,  207,  208, 

214-215 
Blessed  Perfection  (Baha 'Ullah) 

1,  5,  6,  7,  17,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25-26, 
133-134,   178,   205,   209,   210,   219 
Blessings   and   bounties    in   this 

Day    182-183 

Body-politic  in  need  of  a  divine 

physician  166,  199 

likened   to   the  human  organ- 
ism      95 

likened  to  the  ocean 12 

prejudice   is  the  destroyer  of 

the    120 

Bounties  of  God 

13-14,   156-157,  183,  188 

Bowery  Mission    30-31 

British    95,  186 


IV 


INDEX 


Brotherhood,  material  and  spir- 
itual. .125-126,  140-141,  145,  165 

Buddha,  books  of 216 

his  unity  with  the  Manifesta- 
tions   192 

Buddhists   140 

united   with  other  religionists 
byBaha'Ullah.197,  198,  217,  229 


Capacities,  heavenly  

12,  21,  143,  144,  155,  190 

Capacity,  difference  in  degree  of 

22,  81-82 

Catherine  1 131-132 

Catholic  Church 208 

Chaldea  113 

Chaldeans 124 

Chicago  22,  68,  89,  107 

Chihrik,  Bab  imprisoned  in 134 

Children .49-51,  170,  208 

of  the  kingdom 

49-51,  88-89,   188-189,   208 

physical  and  spiritual 88-89 

should    be   taught   Reality   of 

religion  208 

Christhood    149 

Christian,  a  real 4 

Christianity... 39,  149,  193,  195,  206 

Christians  82,  83, 

123,  150,  196,  197,  207,  216,  218 
united  with  other  religions  by 

Baha  'Ullah 

93-94.  197-198,  217,  229 

Church,  a  collective  center.  157-159 
Civilization,     evidences     of,     in 

America    101 

material  and  spiritual 

9-11,  14,  32,  92, 

97-99,  100,  105-106,  126,  160-161. 

165 
material     and     spiritual,     un- 
paralleled in  this  Cycle. .  . . 

35,  135-137 

spiritual,  in  America 10-11,  17 

Collective  center 158-159 

Colored  race,  gratitude  due  by 
them  for  white  man's  sacri- 
fice   108,  109 

meetings  of 

41-43,  46-49,  53-54,  66-67, 108-109 


Columbus,  Christopher 55,  132 

Confucius   216 

Constantinople,  Baha  'Ullah  ex- 
iled to 24-26,  121 

Consultation,  true,  love  and  fel- 
lowship its  foundation 

68-70,  178 

Cooperation  essential  for  man- 
kind     32-33 

Creation,  four  kingdoms  of. . .  .26-27 

hath   no  beginning 214 

in  six  days  is  symbolic 215 

its  kingdoms  and  their  attri- 
butes       66 

its  kingdoms,  their  agreement 
and  difference  in  degree. . . . 

64-65,    167-168 

its  perfection 76 

Creator  versus  man 79 

Crimean  war  206 

Criterions  of  knowledge 18-20 

Cycles,  universal 213-215 

D 

"Darweesh,"    a    title    of    Baha 

'Ullah     31 

David,  throne  of 194-195 

Dawning-points    of    the    Sun    of 

Truth 75,  91,  187 

Day  of  the  Promised  One 215 

Death  (non-existence)    53-54 

a  change  of  condition 83-86 

is  a  proof  of  life 79 

there  is  no 83-88 

Development  (education)  in 

three  planes  of  existence. 74-75 

Disciples  of  Christ 3,  130,  142 

their  consultation    69-70 

their  unity   186-187 

Discord  equivalent  to  death. 54,  202 
Dispel   clouds  of  human   super- 
stition     74-75 

Dispersion   is  non-existence.  . .  .202 

Distinction   (Bahai) 184-185 

Divine  entity,  its  unity 187-188 

Divine  law,  two  aspects  of 94 

Divine  philosophy   29 

Divine    spirit    55-56 

Divinity,  sanctified  above  human 

comprehension    167-168 

unity  of 187-188 

Divorce,  laws  of 163 


INDEX 


E 


East  and  West  united 97-98,  100. 

125,   126,   135,   160-161,   167,   207 

Economic  readjustment 98, 

103,    128,    164-165,    176,    211-212 
Education,    equal   for   man   and 

woman 132,  169-170 

(development)  in  three  planes 

of  existence   74-75 

is   civilization    81-83 

of  all  mankind 104-105 

of  mothers 104,  129,  170 

universal  standard  of 177 

Egypt. .  .  .1,  16,  94,  113,  131.  157,  205 

Egyptians 39,  124,  153,  157,  171 

Elias    162 

Emanation  vs.   manifestation...   56 

England    16 

Englewood,  West  208 

Englishman   114 

Equal  standard  of  human  rights.  177 
Equality  of  man  and  woman... 

71-73,   104,   129-132, 

161-162,    164,    169-170,    177,    228 

Esperanto    57-58 

Europe  68,  219 

a  battlefield  of  ammunition. .  .118 
equality  of  man  and  woman  in  71 
its  civilization  due  to  educa- 
tion      81 

philosophers  and  scientists  of  18 
European  powers  abolished  slav- 
ery       43 

Everlasting   existence    221 

Evolution  of  man    220-222 

Existence   (life)    83-88 

Existence  and  non-existence  (life 

and  death)    53-54 

Ezekiel  appeared  in  the  East...  21 


Faith    221 

Family,    according    to    Baha  'Ul- 

lah's  teachings  151,  163 

Feast   of   spiritual   unity    (out   of 

doors)   201-202,  208-210 

Fellowship  conducive  to  life...   54 

F:)0(1  of  the  future   1G5 

France 16,  25,  68,  117.  206 


Freedom  of   religious   belief  and 
speech    192 

French 95,  186 

Frenchman     114 

G 

Galen,    his    testimony    regarding 

Christianity    82 

Gardens,  spiritual    21-22 

German   95,  114,  186 

Germany   16 

tablet  to  Emperor  of 198 

"Glad-Tidings,"  revealed  by  Baha 

'Ullah    199,  232 

God,  fatherhood  of   145 

his    attributes    and    bestowals 
eternal  153-154 

proof  of  perfection   and  exist- 
ence of   79 

Gospel  150,  216 

Great  Britain    117 

Greatest  Name,  Cycle  of  the . . .  205 

Greece  16 

Greeks   

18,  39,  82,  94,  124,  153,  157,  171 

Green  Acre    213 

Guidance  of  God,  lamp  of  the. . . . 

189-191 

H 

Heavenly  Host   3 

Hebrew    73 

"Hidden     Words,"     revealed     by 

Baha  'Ullah 83,  143,  199,  232 

Higher  Criticism    207-208 

"Him    whom    God    would    make 

manifest"  (Baha 'Ullah) ..  .23,  134 

Hindostanese    (Hindooism)    162 

Holiness    221 

Holy  Land  35,  157 

Holy  Spirit.... 4,  5,  7,  9,  10,  16,  18, 

34,  38,  39,   53,  59,  67,  82,  105-106. 

125,  126.  140,  141,  142,  144,  145,  154. 

156,   159,    165,    167,   177,    180,    183. 

186-187,  195,  196,  197,  200-201,  205, 
207-208,  209,  221,  223,  232 

explainer  of  the  book  of  God. 207 

the  divine  criterion  of  knowl- 
edge     20 


VI 


INDEX 


Holy  Spirit  (continued) 
the  only  power  to  heal  world 
— sickness  of  war 152-153 

Human  development,  two  aspects 

of 57 

kingdom 

27,  64-65,  66,  110,  168,  184 

spirit    55 

Humanity,  meetings  for  the  wel- 
fare of  51 


Illumination,  spiritual 221 

Image  and  likeness  of  God 

26,  66-67,  155 

Imitations  of  ancestral  religious 
forms... 59,  82-83,  90,  92,  95,  113, 
123,  135-136,  139,  147,  153,  156, 
160,  174,  175,  193,  195,  196.  197, 
216-217,  227,  229 
Inspiration,  a  criterion  of  knowl- 
edge     18,    20 

International  arbitration    

104,    116,   137,   198 

Interpretation,     a     criterion     of 

knowledge    19 

Inter-religious  Tribunal    ...228-229 

Investigation  of  Truth    (Reality) 

37,  59-60,  71,  83,  90,  101-102,  114, 

122,    123-124,    136,    139,    143,    146, 

154,    160,   164,   175,    193.    195,   197, 

216-218,   227,   229 

Irak-Arabi    (see   Baghdad)    ....   24 

Isabella  of  Spain  132 

Isaiah  appeared  in  the  East....   21 
Isfahan,  persecution  of  Bab  in.. 133 

Ishkabad  68 

"Ishrakhat,"  revealed    by    Baha 

'Ullah    199,  232 

Islam 196,  216 

Israel....  112-113,  124,  157,  158,  196 

Italian   114 

Italy  carrying  war  into  Tripoli.     4 


Jacob    191 

Jeremiah  appeared  in  the  East. .   21 

Jerusalem   82,  196 

shall  rejoice    127 

the  divine    (heavenly) 17,  98 

the  holy  city,  shall  descend..   35 


Jesus  Christ 44,  50,  59,  80,  94, 

100,  102,  105,  107,  111,  113,  130, 
140,  142,  144,  147,  148,  156,  157, 
158,  159.  160,  162, 163-164,  175,  177, 
189,  191,  194,  201.  207,  208,  211,  229 

a    collective    center    159 

addressing  Peter 62,  158 

a   divine  springtime    8,   52 

appeared  in  the  East 21 

a  shepherd  of  humanity.  .113,  157 
church  bells  in  memory  of . .  . . 

205-207 

consultation  of  his  disciples.. 

69-70 

created  love  and  unity  in  hearts 

13,    37 

declares  John  Baptist  is  Elias 

162 

declares  man  must  be  born  of 

Spirit   55-56.  177 

educating   and   uniting   human 

souls   37-39 

educator   of  humanity 82-83 

established  Reality 102.  122 

established    ties    of   unity    and 

love 16 

founded  religion  upon  love..   227 
his  kingdom,  purpose  and  suf- 
fering    3-4 

his  love  for  the  poor 30-31 

his  persecution  and  death.... 207 
his  sacrifice  for  the  world. ...   51 
his  unity  with  the  Holy  Spirit.  187 
his   unity  with   the   Manifesta- 
tions  187,    192-193,    217 

mentioned  in  Koran  as  Spirit  of 

God    196 

mentioned   in   Koran   as  "Word 

of  God    196 

Messiah  59,  194-195 

mirror    of    the    Sun    of    Truth 

168-169 

proclaimed   the   Reality    

98,  118,  193 

promoted   the  Word   of   Moses 
195 

taught  heavenly  civilization . .     9 

"the  father  is  in  the  son" 168 

the  Word 149-150,  196,  207 

united    different    peoples     and 
nations....  39,  113,  124,  153,  159 


INDEX 


Vll 


Jesus   Christ    (continued) 
united  sects  and  denomina- 
tions   93-94 

unity  of  disciples  of 186-187 

versus    Napoleon   Bonaparte.  .206 

we  must   follow 39 

world-physician    199 

Jews 111.  139.  147,  150.  156, 

175.  194.  207.  208.  216,  218 

expecting   Messiah    59 

rejected  Messiah   59,  193-195 

united  with  other  religions  by 

Baha'Ullah 93-94.  123.  197- 

198,  217.  229 

John  the  Baptist 162 

Joseph  appeared  in  the  East. ...   21 

Judaism  216 

Judas  Iscariot  130,  191 


K 


Kingdoms    of    existence,    degrees 

of  the  109-110 

of  existence,  lower  cannot  com- 
prehend the  higher 109-110 

"Kitab    el    Akdas."     revealed     by 
Baha  'Ullah    212 

"Kitab    el     Ighan,"    revealed    by 
Baha  'Ullah  150 

Knowledge  of  God 221 

K:oran  196,  216 

Kurdistan,  Baha  'Ullah  abode  in 
24 

Kurratu'l'Ayn    71 


Labor  is  devotion  to  God 182 

Language,    a    universal 

177,  227-228 

an  international  auxiliary. .  .57-58 
Law  of  God,  a  collective  center.  158 

Liberty 49,  141 

of   the    United    States    Govern- 
ment    49 

Life  everlasting 221 

Life  (existence)  83-88 

Life     (existence),    a    divine    and 

everlasting  bestowal    ....85-88 
Life    and    death    (existence    and 

non-existence)   53-54 

London  14,  18,  207 


Love 6-7,  164.  227 

and  unity,  the  need  of  the  body- 
politic     166 

and   unity    uplift    the    human 

race    136 

(Bahai)    213 

of  God 17,  37,  51,  65,  164,  221 

the  eternal  sovereignty 206 

the  source  of  all  bestowals. .  ..   13 
Lycurgus,    his    plan    of    govern- 
ment    211-212 


M 


Maku,   imprisonment  of  the  Bab 
in     134 

Man,  a  generic  term 72-73 

created  for  love 39 

his  evolutionary  progression.. 

220-221 

his   needs    in   the   divine    king- 
dom   220-221 

how  attain  eternal  life 221 

is   negligent   of   the   secrets   of 

divinity    221-222 

purpose  of  his  creation. .  .181-182 
submerged   in   worldly  affairs 

179-180 

the  image  and  likeness  of  God 

66-67,    72-73 

the  life  of,  is  divine 180 

the  ruler  of  nature.  .14-15,  27-28, 
48,  77-78,  173 
two  aspects  of  his  development 

57 

two    natures    of 38 

two  powers  of 57 

Manifestation  vs.  emanation....   56 
Manifestations  of  God  are  the  real 

collective  centers 158-159 

of  God  destroy  false  religious 

beliefs    148 

of  God.  mirrors  of  Reality. .  . . 

110-111,    168-169 

of  God.  shepherds  of  humanity 

112,  145.  159 

of  God  show  forth  supreme  love 

and  unity    . .  . : 203 

of  God.   their  purpose  is  free- 
dom   of    man 180-181 

of  God,  their  unity 146-147 


VIH 


INDEX 


Mary  Magdalene  130,  170 

Mary,  mother  of  Jesus 170,  19G 

mother  of  Jesus,  mentioned  in 

Koran 196 

Mashreq    Ul-Azkar 62-63,   67-68 

Material  and  spiritual  knowledge 

28-29 

Material    forces,    ascendency   of 

155-156 

Materialism    216 

pathway  of  172-174 

Materialists    48,   174 

criterions    of    the 18-19 

disproof  of  the 14-15,   76-79 

Meetings    of    white    and    colored 

races    41-43,    46-49,    53-54, 

66-67,  108 

Mercy  of  God 183 

Mesopotamia    121 

Messiah    94,    111,    113,    127, 

156,  159,  192,  193 

Jewish    expectation    of 

59,  147,  175 

signs  of  the  coming  of.  .  .  .193-195 
Microcosm,  the  miniature  of  the 

macrocosm     66 

Mineral  kingdom.. 26,  109,  167,  184 

Mirza   Abul   Fazl 150 

Mohammed  113,  124,  148,  196 

a  collective  center 159 

appeared  in  the  East 21 

asked  "why  have  you  not  be- 
lieved  in  Moses  and  Jesus ?".196 
founded  religion  upon  love. . .  .227 
his  unity  with  the  Manifesta- 
tions   187,  192 

influence  of   40 

messenger   of   Reality 122 

persecution  of  229 

twelve  imams  of 192 

united  warring  tribes  and  peo- 
ples     113,    124 

world-physician    199 

Mohammed  Pasha 131-133 

Mohammedanism,  misunderstand- 
ing in  regard  to 195-197 

Mohammedans 40,    139,    150, 

196,  197,  216,  218 
united  with  other  religions  by 

Baha  'UUah 93-94,  123 

197-198,  217,  229 


Moses.... 30,  94,  102,  111,  124,  127, 
147,    148,    156,    157,    163-164,    196, 

227 

a  collective   center 158-159 

announced  Messiah    193 

appeared  in  the  East 21 

a  shepherd  of  humanity. .  .112-113 
founded  religion  upon  love... 227 
his  laws  fulfilled  in  Christ...  195 
his  unity  with   the  Manifesta- 
tions    187,  192,  217 

persecution  of 229 

promulgated  Reality.  102,  118,  122 

"Most  Great  Peace"  the 9-10,  16- 

17,    26,    33-34,    36.    52,   54,    57,   64, 

80-81,    96,    105,    111-112,    112-118, 

119-121,  151-152,  186,  191,  215 

Mothers,   the    first   educators 

129-130,  170 

Motion,  creation  is 138 

Music    49-50 


N 


Names  and  attributes  of  divinity 

214 

Napoleon  Bonaparte  1 205-206 

Napoleon     III,     Baha     'Ullah's 
epistle  to. .  .  .25,  195,  198,  206,  218 

Nasr  ed  Din,  Shah 198 

Nationality    of   humanity    in    the 

future  16 

Nature,  all  created  things  except 
man  are  captives  of.  14,  47-48,  172 
man  the  ruler  of.... 14-15,  27-28. 
48,  77-78,  173 

Nazareth     193 

Nearness  to  God 44,  142-145 

Nestorians  united  with  other  re- 
ligions   by   Baha'Ullah 229 

New  Thought 208 

New  York 1,  14,  15,  16  107, 

178,    232 

New  Zealand   68 

Non-existence    (see   "death") 

53-54,    83-86 

Numbers,  the  significance  of 

191-192 

Nusyrians,  their  belief  regarding 
woman    71 


INDEX 


IX 


O 


Old  Testament   216 

Oneness  of  the  Father,  Son  and 

Spirit    149 

of  God 109-112,  148-149,  150, 

167,  169 

of  religions   145,  148 

of  the  world  of  humanity 4-5 

9-10,  11-14,  16-18,  29,  33,  40, 
48-49,  52,  54,  57,  60,  63-64,  65, 
73,  80-81,  88,  92,  95-96,  98,  101, 
102-103,  116,  119-121,  123,  125, 
126,  134,  137,  141,  148-149,  150, 
151-153,  159,  164,  167,  169,  175- 
176,  191,  192,  197,  200,  210,  218, 
219,  223-226 
Ordinances  of  religion  have  two 

aspects  94,  102,  163-164 

Orient,    equality    of    man    and 

woman  in  the 71 

and   Occident   united 97-98, 

100,  160-161,  162,  167,  186 


Palestine    194,  206 

Palmyra    131 

Paradise   214-215,  223 

Paris    14,    18 

Pathways,  two,   in  the   world  of 

humanity  172-174 

Peace 93,  119-120,  164 

the  purpose  of  the  divine  re- 
ligions     93-95 

Perfections,  spiritual   221 

Persia 5,    10,   16,  20,   22,   24, 

25,  32,  40,  41,  68,  71,  73,  93,  120, 
121,  123,  124,  125,  126,  132,  159, 
161,  165,  175,  187,  207,  210,  218 
and    America,    reciprocal    civi- 
lizations   32-33 

and  America,  unity  between. 32-33 

Baha  'Ullah    appeared    in 101 

religious  hatred  in 115-116 

religious  unity  in... 116,  175,  229 

Shah  of  71,  198.  219 

Tablet  to  Shah  of 218-219 

Persians   23,  95 

sacrificed    their    lives    for    the 

Bab   133 

united  with  other  races  by  Baha 
'Ullah    93-94 


Peter,  disciple  of  Christ. .  .3,  62,  158 

the  Great 131-132 

Pharaohs    124,  195 

Phenomenal  and  spiritual  worlds 

are  counterparts 7-8,  63 

Philadelphia 178 

Philanthropy  221 

Philosophers  as  educators 81-82 

Philosophy  208 

Phoenicia    113 

Phoenicians   124 

Physical  birth,  the  analogy  of.. 

44-45 

Plato    208 

Poor  and  the   rich 128 

God's  love  for  the 30-31,  211 

"Poor  One"  ("Darweesh"),  a  title 

of  Baha  'Ullah    31 

Pope  of  Rome 161 

Prejudices,  religious 36,  39,  90, 

103-104,    111,    146,    157,    176,    196, 

197,   227 
Progress   material  and   spiritual, 

in  the  future 127-128,  140 

Prophets   are    the   first   and   uni- 
versal educators 81-83 

came  to  establish  love  and  unity 
of  the  kingdom 2-3,  37,  54 

the  real  shepherds 157 

the    real   physicians    199 

R 

Racial  agreement  and  distinction, 

white  and  colored 64-65 

distinction  the  cause  of  war.. 
114-115 

Reality    (Truth)    investigation  of 
the.. .37,  59-60,  71,  83,  90,  101-102, 
114,    122,    123-124,    136,    146,    164. 
175,  193,  195,  197,  216-218,  227,  229 

Reality,  the  foundation  of  all  re- 
ligion     118 

Reason,  a  criterion  of  knowledge 

18-19 

Reincarnation,  its  two  aspects..  162 
Religion  and  science  must  agree 

60-61,   103.   124,   164,   170. 

176,    226 
a  tree  of  providence  and  mercy 
140 


INDEX 


Religion  (continued) 

based  upon  unity  and  love 

117-118,    124,    164,    176 

its  reformation  in  this  century 

138-141 

the    cause    of    fellowship    and 

love 113-114,   164,   176,   197, 

226-227 
the  outer  expression  of  the  di- 
vine   Reality 138 

the    pathway    to    the    kingdom 

172-174 

two   kinds   of   ordinances 

(aspects)  in 94,  102,  163-164 

weakened  by  sectarian  strife.. 

155-156 

Religions,   oneness   of   all. ..  .29-30, 
122-123,  148,  170,  193 
their    foundations    are   one.... 

....38,  92,  95,  145,  163,  170,  193 
their  purpose  is  peace  and  unity 

93-95,    197 

Religious  belief,  freedom  of....  192 
teachings,  spurious,  must  pass 

away 135-136 

Romans 18,  39,  94,  124,  153, 

157,  171 

Rome    16,    131 

Roumelia    26 

Russia   68,  117,  131 

Czar  of,  tablet  to 198 

Russian- Japanese  war 99 


Sabbath  194 

Sacrament  of  bread  and  wine.. 208 

Sacrifice   51-52,  210,  213 

Sanctity    188,    190,    221 

Saracen  124 

Sarah,  wife  of  Abraham 170 

Science,  a  bestowal  of  God. . .  .46-47 
and  religion    (see  religion  and 

science) 
especially  characteristic  of  man 

27-28 

is   intellectual  investigation . . . 

28,    47 

its  control  of  nature 27-28 

material  and  spiritual 133 

the  first  emanation  from  God  to 
man    47 


Sea,  the 1 

Second  birth  221 

Self-sacrifice   221 

Semitic  and  other  races  united  by 

Baha'Ullah    93-94 

Sense-perception,    a   criterion    of 

knowledge    18-19 

Service  51-52 

Severance 143,  221 

Shah  of  Persia 71,  198 

tablet  to 218-219 

Shiites  united  with  other  religions 

by  Baha'Ullah    229 

Shiraz,  persecution  of  Bab  in..  133 

Sick,  visiting  the 199 

Sickness  of  the  world  of  human- 
ity   17,  199-200 

Signs  of  Messiah's  coming.  .193-195 

Sinai,  law  of 148,  195 

Slavery   42-43,  108-109 

Solomon 112,  124,  157 

Sovereignty,  the  divine,  hath  no 

beginning    213-214 

Spain 113,  124 

Spaniard   114 

Sparta    211-212 

Spirit,    degrees    of 55-57 

of  Truth,  coming  of  the 39 

Spiritual  development  and  train- 
ing     28,   38-39,   200-201 

feast   201-202 

feast  (West  Englewood).. 208-210 

Spirituality    221 

Springtime,  the  spiritual....?,  8-9, 

13,    21,    35,    52,    91-92,    122-123, 

146,  148,  159-160,  205,  223 

St.  Petersburgh,  (Petrograd) . .  .  .131 

Sulimaniyye,   the  abode  of   Baha 

'Ullah 24 

Sultan  of  Turkey  banished  Baha 

'Ullah    25 

tablet   to   the 25,  219 

Sun,  the,  is  a  sign  of  the  inner 

sun  70-71,  90 

Sunnites    united    with    other    re- 
ligions   by    Baha'Ullah 229 

Sun  of  Truth  (Reality) 7,  8,  10. 

11,  12,  13,  35,  46,  52,  56,  57,  59. 
60,  71,  74-75,  90,  90-93,  98,  110- 
112,  122,  127,  138,  143,  144,  147, 
156,  168,  178,  183,  188,  189,  190. 
208,  216,  222,  223 


INDEX 


XI 


Sun  of  Truth  (continued) 
arising  in  the   East  and  West 

20-21,   97-98,   100,  121 

dawning  places   of 91 

its    mirrors    110-111 

reflected  in  human  hearts.  .56-57 

revealed   in   this  century 71 

the  Word  of  God 90-93 

veiled  by  superstitions.  .75-76.  82 

Supreme   Concourse 2,   3,   4,   7, 

144,  178,  181,  190,  209 

Sword   of   Christ 194 

Syria 25,  113,  121,  131 


Tablets  to  the  Kings,  written  by 

Baha'Ullah..  .25,  198,  206,  218-219 
Tabriz,   the  Bab   imprisoned  and 

martyred  in 24,  134 

"Tajalleyat,"   revealed   by   Baha 

'IJllah     199 

"Tarazat,"    revealed    by    Baha 

•Ullah 199 

Teachings    of    Baha'Ullah    (see 

Baha  'Ullah) 

of  God 58-61 

Teheran   23,  41 

Temple,  a  collective  center.  .157-159 

the  real  62 

Thankfulness 182-183,  230-232 

Theosophists   151 

Things   are  known   by  their  op- 

posites 79 

Titanic,  disaster  to  the 44-46 

purpose  of  the  disaster  to.. 44-46 
Traditions  (prophecy),  a  criterion 

of  knowledge  18-20 

Tripoli,  the  war  in. 4,  80-81,  114-115 
Turkey  16,  33,  131 

Sultan  of 25,  198.  219 

Tablet  to  Sultan  of 25,  219 

Turks    united    with    other    races 

and  religicms  by  Baha'Ullah.. 

93-94,   95 

Twentieth  Century. ..  .121,   127-128. 

135-136,    141,   147-148,   183.    191, 

217-218,  230 

u 

"Unitarian  Day"    185 

Ignited    States   of   America    (see 
America) 16,  42-43,  64,  93 


United  States  (continued) 

a  just   and    free    government 

46,  106 

equal  rights  of  races  in. 42-43,  65 
should    establish    world-peace 

117-118,  121 

the  sample  of  future  govern- 
ment    162 

Unity   (see  Oneness) 

(affinity)  degrees  of 185-188 

(affinity),  the  purpose  of  man's 

creation  2-3 

in  the  Holy  Spirit 186-187 

is  life   202-203 

limited  and  unlimited 186 

of  divinity  and  its  reflectors.. 

187-188 

of  white  and  colored  races.... 
41-43,  46,  48-49,  53-54,  64-66,  67, 

108-109 

of  world  of  mankind 53-54 

the   divine    109-112 

through  love... 4-5,  13,  16,  29-30, 

34,   207 
Universal  consciousness,  an  ema- 
nation   of 223 

language 177,  227-228 

Peace 4,  10,  16,  25,  29,  76,  93- 

96,  98,  104,  105,  112-118,  119-121, 
130,  136-137,  141,  143,  145,  154, 
157,   161-162,  194,  200.  207,   218. 

219,   228 

Peace  willed  by  God 95,  121 

Universe  hath   neither  beginning 
nor  ending   213-215 


V 


Vegetable  kingdom    26,  64,  66, 

110.   167,    184 
Victoria,  queen  of  Great  Britain, 
tablet  to 198 

W 

War  and  its  causes.. 29,  80,  93,  98- 
99,  112-116,  119-120,  152,  170,  224 

Washington,  city  of 107,  108 

W^oman 128-132.  165. 

169-170 
has  been  denied  education.... 
71-72,  129.  169,  177 


Xll 


INDEX 


Woman  (continued) 
her  potentialities  and  equality 

with   man 70-73 

her   precedence   in   religion   in 

the  West    165 

her  status  in  the  Orient 161 

the  image  and  likeness  of  God. . 

72-73 

Women,  Bahai    170 

Word  of  God 3,  5,  19,  39,  40, 

59,  62  71,  74,  76,  89,  90-93,  93,  96, 
111,   139,    145,   149,    166,   187,    195, 
196,    207,    208 
"Words  of  Paradise"  revealed  by 

Baha'Ullah    199 

World  of  humanity,  two  factors 

of 130 

of  humanity,  its  ailments 199 


Young  Turks,  Committee  of  Union 
and  Progress 33,  198,  220 

z 

Zend  Avesta 216 

Zenobia   131 

Zion,  bride  of 17 

shall  leap  and  dance 35,  127 

Zoroaster 163-164 

his  unity  with  the  divine  Mani- 
festations   192 

Zoroastrians  . .  .40,  150,  163,  216,  218 

united  with  other  religions  by 

Baha'Ullah...  93-94,  123,  197-198, 

217,   229 


Index  of  Place  Where  Delivered 


New  York,  780  West-End  Ave...  1-2 

Brooklyn,    935   Eastern    Parkway 
2-5 

New  York,  39  West  67th  Street.  .5-7 

141  East  21st  Street 7-9 

Church  of  the  Ascension 9-11 

Carnegie  Lyceum 11-14 

327  West-End  Avenue 14-16 

Hotel  Ansonia 16-18 

Hotel  Ansonia  18-20 

780  West-End  Avenue 20-22 

273  West  90th  Street 22-26 

Columbia  University 26-30 

Bowery  Mission   30-31 

Washington,  Public  Library  Hall 

32-34 

1219  Connecticut  Avenue. .  .34-36 

Universalist  Church 36-40 

1700    18th    Street 40-41 

Howard  University 41-43 

1700  18th  Street 44-46 

Metropolitan     African     M.     E. 

Church 46-49 

1219  Connecticut  Avenue. .  .  .49-51 

1700  18th  Street  51-53 

1937  13th  Street 53-54 

1700  18th  Street  55-57 

1700  18th  Street   57-58 

1700  18th  Street  58-61 


Chicago.   Masonic   Temple. ..  .62-64 

Hull  House 64-66 

Handel  Hall  66-67 

Mashreq  Ul-Azkar  67-68 

Hotel  Plaza 68-70 

Hotel  LaSalle   70-73 

Hotel  LaSalle    74-75 

Hotel  Plaza   75-76 

Hotel  Plaza   76-79 

Hotel   Plaza   80-81 

Hotel  Plaza 81-83 

Northwestern  University. .  .  .83-88 

Hotel  Plaza   88-90 

Plymouth        Congregational 

Church   90-93 

All  Souls  Church 93-96 

Cleveland.   Euclid   Hall 97-100 

Sanatorium    100 

Pittsburgh,  Hotel  Schenley.  101-106 

New   York,    227    Riverside    Drive 
107-109 

Montclair,   Unity   Church. .  .109-112 

New  York,   Grace  M.   E.   Church 

112-118 

Hotel  Astor   118-121 

Church    of    Divine    Paternity.  . 
122-125 

Jersey  City,  Brotherhood  Church 
125-128 


INDEX 


xm 


New   York,  Metropolitan   Temple 
128-132 

Cambridge,  367  Howard  Street.. 
133-134 

Boston,    Huntington    Chambers.. 

134-138 

Unitarian  Conference 138-141 

New  York,  Mount  Morris  Baptist 

Church  142-145 

Metropolitan    Temple 145-148 

780  West-End  Avenue 148-150 

Theosophical    Lodge 151-155 

Fanwood,  Town  Hall 155-157 

New  York,  Church  of  the  Ascen- 
sion    157-165 

309  West  78th  St 166 

Philadelphia,    Unitarian    Church 

167-171 

Baptist  Temple 171-177 

New  York,  780  West-End  Avenue 

178 

309    West    78th    Street. ..  .178-181 
309  West  78th  Street 181-182 


309  West  78th  Street 182-183 

309  West  78th  Street 184-185 

Fourth  Unitarian  Church  (Flat- 
bush)    185-189 

Brooklyn,  935  Eastern  Parkway. . 

189-192 

Central  Congregational  Church 

192-198 

New  York,  309  West  78th  Street 

199-200 

309  West  78th  Street 200-201 

309  West  78th  Street 201-204 

Montclair 205-208 

West   Englewood 208-210 

New  York,  309  West  78th  Street 

211-212 

309  West  78th  Street 213 

309  West  78th  Street 213-215 

309  West  78th  Street 215-220 

309  West  78th  Street 220-223 

All-Souls    Unitarian    Church.. 

223-230 

830  Park  Avenue 230-232 


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